Newly crowned F1 champion Nico Rosberg announces SHOCK retirement

New Delhi: The newly crowned Formula One champion Nico Rosberg shocked the sporting world on Friday by announcing his retirement, with immediate effect.

The 31-year-old Mercedes driver just won his first Drivers' championship title on Sunday at the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

He beat the defending champion and Silver Arrows team-mate Lewis Hamilton by five points to the title.

But today, the German took to social media platforms to announce his retirement.

"I have climbed my mountain, I am on the peak, so this feels right," Rosberg wrote.

Born to Finland's 1982 world champion driver Keke, Rosberg competed as a German. He made his F1 debut for Williams at the 2006 Bahrain GP, finishing seventh.

But, his wait for the title took 206 races and 10 years, which is second longest in terms of years, behind Nigel Mansell's 12 years. The British legend, however, won his first race in his 176th race.