- Title: Fans react to Rosberg's retirement bombshell in Berlin
- Date: 2nd December 2016
- Summary: BERLIN, GERMANY (DECEMBER 2, 2016) (REUTERS) BRANDENBURG GATE (SOUNDBITE) (German) VISITOR FROM LUXEMBOURG, JESSE DUE, SAYING: "I think it's a pity. He has laid down a super career." (SOUNDBITE) (German) PASSERBY, ANDRE HOFFMAN, SAYING: "Speechless, I would say. I would not have thought that from what's happened. I would not have done that, being in the prime of his life like he is. He is very young, everything is beginning for him. The entire title." (SOUNDBITE) (German) PASSERBY, TERNO MEER, SAYING: "Why not? It's his decision. When he thinks that's right. Why should he gamble with his life?" (SOUNDBITE) (German) PASSERBY, KIM HOLZ, SAYING: "Pity no? He could have done more. But in the end, I see it similarly, if he finds it right, that's what he should do. To go out as world champion, could be worse." (SOUNDBITE) (English) VISITOR FROM THE U.S., SHAWN UNRUH, SAYING: "That's going to be a loss to the sport. That's going to be a big loss to the sport because he was such a wonderful part of it for so many years. Schumacher, you know, Schumachers they're all just great racers, great wonderful people and when he leaves the sport it's going to be the end of an era, you know?" PEOPLE WALKING
- Embargoed: 17th December 2016 15:27
- Keywords: Rosberg Formula One retirement Berlin
- Location: BERLIN, GERMANY
- City: BERLIN, GERMANY
- Country: Germany
- Reuters ID: LVA0015B6ZRJZ
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Motor racing fans in Berlin expressed their shock on Friday (December 1) at Nico Rosberg's announcement that he was retiring only days after achieving a lifetime ambition by winning his first world championship with Mercedes.
"I think it's a pity. He has laid down a super career," Luxembourg resident Jesse Due said.
While some said they found such a quick departure quite baffling, others regarded it to as a smart move to retire from a dangerous sport.
"Why should he gamble with his life?" passer-by Terno Meer said.
The driver, who had given no previous indication of his intentions, said he had made the decision the day after the title race.
Rosberg has not commented on what he plans to do next.
He will leave with a record of 23 wins in 206 races - putting him equal 12th on the all-time lists with Brazilian triple champion Nelson Piquet - and as only the second son of a champion to take the title. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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