Nico Rosberg#ExtremeE

File:MonacoView.jpg, where Rosberg was raised]]

Rosberg was born on 27 June 1985 at the Red Cross Hospital in Wiesbaden, West Germany,{{Cite news|url=https://www.wiesbadener-kurier.de/lokales/wiesbaden/nachrichten-wiesbaden/formel-1-weltmeister-nico-rosberg-kommt-zum-feiern-nach-wiesbaden_17505658|title=Formel-1-Weltmeister Nico Rosberg kommt zum Feiern nach Wiesbaden|last1=Streubig|first1=Olaf|date=29 November 2016|work=Wiesbadener Kurier|access-date=5 September 2019|last2=Wenzel|first2=Werner|language=de|trans-title=Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg comes to Wiesbaden to celebrate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905070756/https://www.wiesbadener-kurier.de/lokales/wiesbaden/nachrichten-wiesbaden/formel-1-weltmeister-nico-rosberg-kommt-zum-feiern-nach-wiesbaden_17505658|archive-date=5 September 2019|url-status=live}} the only child of German interpreter Gesine "Sina" ({{née|Gleitsmann-Dengel}}){{cite news|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/formula-1/20141122/54419579327/formula-1-rosberg-barbie.html|title=Fórmula 1: Rosberg o cuando 'Barbie' saca el genio|last=López Jordà|first=Toni|date=22 November 2014|work=La Vanguardia|access-date=5 September 2019|url-status=live|language=es|trans-title=Formula 1: Rosberg or when 'Barbie' brings out the genius|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905185620/https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/formula-1/20141122/54419579327/formula-1-rosberg-barbie.html|archive-date=5 September 2019}} and Finnish racing driver Keke Rosberg, who won the {{F1|1982}} Formula One World Championship.{{cite news|url=http://www.hs.fi/english/article/1101981166932|title=Shedding a father's shadow: the new GP2 champion's route to the top|last=Päätalo|first=Juha|date=1 October 2005|work=Helsingin Sanomat|access-date=8 October 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319235440/http://www.hs.fi/english/article/1101981166932|archive-date=19 March 2008}}{{cite news|last=Weaver|first=Paul|title=Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: how friendship turned to fiercest of rivalries|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/25/lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-friendship-rivalries|work=The Guardian|date=25 November 2016|access-date=10 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126090616/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/25/lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-friendship-rivalries|archive-date=26 November 2016|url-status=live}} Because his father is Finnish and his mother is German, Rosberg is a citizen of both countries, competing with a Finnish racing license until after his first season in the Formula 3 Euro Series.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.fr/formule-1/grand-prix-d-allemagne/2016/on-a-verifie-la-polemique-lewis-hamilton-sur-la-nationalite-de-nico-rosberg_sto5702651/story.shtml|title=Lewis Hamilton sur la nationalité de Nico Rosberg: une polémique inutile et pas nouvelle|last=Vrignaud|first=Stéphane|date=30 July 2016|publisher=Eurosport|language=fr|trans-title=Lewis Hamilton on the nationality of Nico Rosberg: a useless controversy and not new|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802155937/http://www.eurosport.fr/formule-1/grand-prix-d-allemagne/2016/on-a-verifie-la-polemique-lewis-hamilton-sur-la-nationalite-de-nico-rosberg_sto5702651/story.shtml|archive-date=2 August 2016|access-date=5 September 2019}} He switched to a German license as he felt it was easier to obtain major sponsorship agreements with nationality of a larger country.

Rosberg was raised in the Wiesbaden district of Nordenstadt in the first four weeks of his life,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/dec/03/nico-rosberg-diligent-f1-champion|title=Nico Rosberg drew the best from himself before bowing out as a F1 champion|last=Weaver|first=Paul|date=3 December 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203130950/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/dec/03/nico-rosberg-diligent-f1-champion|archive-date=3 December 2016}} before living between the principality of Monaco and the Spanish island of Ibiza.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-motor-racing-prix-rosberg/rosberg-plays-it-clever-and-consistent-idUSKCN0J21AZ20141118|title=Rosberg plays it clever and consistent|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=18 November 2014|access-date=4 September 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024043208/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-motor-racing-prix-rosberg/rosberg-plays-it-clever-and-consistent-idUSKCN0J21AZ20141118|archive-date=24 October 2017|work=Reuters|editor-last=Ferris|editor-first=Ken}} He was educated at the International School of Nice and the International School of Monaco.{{Cite news|last=Cary|first=Tom|date=15 April 2012|title=Chinese Grand Prix 2012: Nico Rosberg claims maiden F1 win as Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton complete podium|work=The Sunday Telegraph|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/9205267/Chinese-Grand-Prix-2012-Nico-Rosberg-claims-maiden-F1-win-as-Jenson-Button-and-Lewis-Hamilton-complete-podium.html|url-status=live|access-date=5 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416022914/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/9205267/Chinese-Grand-Prix-2012-Nico-Rosberg-claims-maiden-F1-win-as-Jenson-Button-and-Lewis-Hamilton-complete-podium.html|archive-date=16 April 2012}} Rosberg was encouraged to pursue ventures in academia and sports. He was taught five languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish, but not Finnish or Swedish, as his father considered those other languages more important for Nico's life and career.{{cite web|last=Hust|first=Fabian|url=http://www.motorsport-total.com/f1/news/2005/12/Rosberg_Die_Finnen_sind_sauer_weil_Nico_deutsch_ist_05120205.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514072518/http://www.motorsport-total.com/f1/news/2005/12/Rosberg_Die_Finnen_sind_sauer_weil_Nico_deutsch_ist_05120205.html | archive-date=14 May 2015 |title=Rosberg: "Die Finnen sind sauer, weil Nico deutsch ist" | date=2 December 2005 | access-date= 23 April 2016 | publisher=motorsport-total.com | language=de | trans-title=(Keke) Rosberg: "The Finns are angry because Nico is German"}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Nico_Rosberg.html|title=Nico Rosberg – 2016|publisher=Formula One|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324154405/https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Nico_Rosberg.html|archive-date=24 March 2019|access-date=6 September 2019}} Rosberg enjoyed studying mathematics and science, and passed all of his examinations except history.{{Cite news|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A143092580/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=ff6b8e1b|title=Rosberg the star attraction is quick to grow into leading role|last=Mott|first=Sue|date=11 March 2006|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=3 October 2019|page=018|via=Gale OneFile: News|url-access=subscription|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102751/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA143092580&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=ff6b8e1b|url-status=live}} He graduated with an average grade of 1.2 in 2002.{{Cite web|url=http://www.speedweek.com/steckbrief/297/Nico-Rosberg.html|title=Nico Rosberg – racer|publisher=Speedweek|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611120439/http://www.speedweek.com/steckbrief/297/Nico-Rosberg.html|archive-date=11 June 2017|access-date=8 October 2019}}

Rosberg married interior designer Vivian Sibold at a civil ceremony in Monaco on 11 July 2014.{{Cite web|url=http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2014/07/nico-rosberg-ties-the-knot-with-long-term-girlfriend/|title=Nico Rosberg Ties The Knot With Long-Term Girlfriend|last=Allen|first=James|date=12 July 2014|publisher=James Allen on F1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717010601/http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2014/07/nico-rosberg-ties-the-knot-with-long-term-girlfriend/|archive-date=17 July 2014|access-date=8 October 2019}} They have two children,{{Cite web|url=https://halloffame.fia.com/driver-profile/763|title=Nico Rosberg – F1 World Champion – 2016|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008173134/https://halloffame.fia.com/driver-profile/763|archive-date=8 October 2019|access-date=8 October 2019}} and run a creamery shop in Ibiza. He is a fan of the German football club FC Bayern Munich,{{cite news|last=Tremayne|first=David|author-link=David Tremayne|title=Rosberg: 'It's a mess. Where the hell are we going?'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/rosberg-its-a-mess-where-the-hell-are-we-going-1698073.html|work=The Independent|date=6 June 2009|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191010075415/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/rosberg-its-a-mess-where-the-hell-are-we-going-1698073.html|archive-date=10 October 2019|url-status=live}} played for the Monaco national tennis team,{{cite web|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/49794/nico-rosberg-magical-and-legendary-to-watch-roger-federer-at-wimbledon-/|title=Nico Rosberg: 'Magical and legendary to watch Roger Federer at Wimbledon'|last=Gatto|first=Luigi|date=10 December 2017|publisher=Tennis World USA|access-date=5 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905084303/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/49794/nico-rosberg-magical-and-legendary-to-watch-roger-federer-at-wimbledon-/|archive-date=5 September 2019|url-status=live}} and formerly competed in triathlon events; these skills allowed him to save a five-year-old child from drowning in Monaco.{{Cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/motorsports/german-hero-in-nico-rosberg-f1-driver-rescued-drowning-boy-in-monaco_1871903.html|title=German hero in Nico Rosberg: F1 driver rescued drowning boy in Monaco|date=2 April 2016|access-date=8 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406061839/http://zeenews.india.com/sports/motorsports/german-hero-in-nico-rosberg-f1-driver-rescued-drowning-boy-in-monaco_1871903.html|archive-date=6 April 2016|publisher=Zee News}}

At the age of four, Rosberg had his first driving experience when his father took him to a go-kart track in Ibiza for a holiday. He steered a Jeep, and his father controlled its speed with the accelerator and the brake pedals. Rosberg began competitive racing at the age of six and decided to aim for a career in Formula One motor racing after he observed his father competing in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft in 1995.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yachtinglifestyle365.com/formulaone/nico-rosberg-rivalry-and-title-destiny/|title=Nico Rosberg: Rivalry and Title Destiny|last=Pearson|first=Graham|website=Yachting Lifestyle 365|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906091422/https://www.yachtinglifestyle365.com/formulaone/nico-rosberg-rivalry-and-title-destiny/|archive-date=6 September 2019|access-date=6 September 2019}} His parents, who did not discourage their son's career choice, consented on the condition that he maintained good grades at school. Rosberg's competitive mindset, and his early achievements in go-karting helped him to improve his driving ability and to convince his father to manage him.

In 1996, Rosberg won the Côte d'Azur Mini-Kart Regional Championship, and the Trophee Jérôme Bernard and the Trophee de France in 1997.{{Cite journal|title=Le Kart Tremplin la F1|url=https://issuu.com/kartmag/docs/version_numerique_km176/49|journal=Kart Mag|date=27 May 2015 |language=fr|edition=March/April 2015|issue=176|page=49|access-date=2 October 2019|via=Issuu|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504122256/https://issuu.com/kartmag/docs/version_numerique_km176/49|url-status=live}} Aged 12, he was the youngest champion of a French national karting series.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nice-one-son-0dwzfvwn06d|title=Nice one, son|last=Longmore|first=Andrew|date=26 August 2007|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=3 October 2019|url-access=subscription|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715092818/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nice-one-son-0dwzfvwn06d|url-status=live}} Rosberg finished second in the French Manufacturers' Trophy and the Côte d'Azur Regional Championship in the same year.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cikfia.com/inside-cikfia/wall-of-fame/view/article/nico-rosberg.html|title=Nico Rosberg|publisher=Commission Internationale de Karting|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002065000/http://www.cikfia.com/inside-cikfia/wall-of-fame/view/article/nico-rosberg.html|archive-date=2 October 2019|access-date=2 October 2019}} He progressed to the European karting championships for 1998 after moving from France to Italy so he could enter international events.{{Cite web|url=http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/retro-when-hamilton-and-rosberg-got-along-as-teammates-674571/|title=Retro: When Hamilton and Rosberg got along as teammates|last1=Karpov|first1=Oleg|last2=Khorounzhiy|first2=Valentin|date=12 March 2016|publisher=motorsport.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314175911/http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/retro-when-hamilton-and-rosberg-got-along-as-teammates-674571/|archive-date=14 March 2016|access-date=2 October 2019}} Competing in the 100 Junior category in a CRG kart, Rosberg finished fifth at the 28° Torneo Industrie, seventh in the Trofeo Andrea Margutti,{{Cite web|url=http://www.kartingmagazine.com/features/historic/throwback-thursday-nico-rosberg-in-2001/|title=Throwback Thursday – Nico Rosberg in 2001|website=Karting Magazine|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316070624/http://www.kartingmagazine.com/features/historic/throwback-thursday-nico-rosberg-in-2001/|archive-date=16 March 2016|access-date=2 October 2019}} and crashed out in the 1998 Green Helmet Trophy Cadets class of the European Championship for Cadets.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cikfia.com/inside-cikfia/history/our-history/view/article/1998.html|title=1998|publisher=Commission Internationale de Karting|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110174157/http://www.cikfia.com/inside-cikfia/history/our-history/view/article/1998.html|archive-date=10 November 2011|access-date=2 October 2019}} In 1999, he was runner-up in the Italian Junior Karting Championship and was fourth in the ICA Junior CIK-FIA European Championship, again driving a CRG.

Rosberg's father asked CRG executive Dino Chiesa in late 1999 to establish a separate karting team for his son and fellow driver Lewis Hamilton for a period of two to three years. Rosberg raced for TeamMBM.com (Mercedes-Benz McLaren) for the 2000 season.{{efn|Neither Mercedes-Benz nor McLaren officially recognised TeamMBM.com, and its website was a holding page.}} He was runner-up in the European KF1 Championship and finished ninth in the Formula A World Cup. In 2001, Rosberg was tenth in the South Garda Winter Cup and sixteenth in the Formula Super A World Championship. He concluded his karting career with a third-place finish in the latter series at a race in Kerpen.

File:Nico Rosberg Formel BMW(ThKraft).jpg title-winning campaign]]

At the age of 16, Rosberg progressed to car racing, competing in three races for the 2001 Formula BMW Junior Cup Iberia finishing in 18th in the Drivers' Championship with 38 points.{{Cite web|url=https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/nico-rosberg/|title=Nico Rosberg|publisher=Driver Database|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630071841/https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/nico-rosberg/|archive-date=30 June 2019|access-date=2 October 2019}} For his first full season of car racing, he drove for VIVA Racing in the 2002 Formula BMW ADAC Championship,{{Cite web|url=http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/drivers/nico-rosberg|title=Nico Rosberg|website=Motor Sport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816010442/http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/drivers/nico-rosberg|archive-date=16 August 2017|access-date=2 October 2019}} winning the drivers' title with nine victories from twenty races and amassing 264 points. For winning the title, Rosberg drove a Williams FW24 at a test session at the Circuit de Catalunya on 3 December.{{Cite web|url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/21119|title=Date set for Rosberg Jr test|date=31 October 2002|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191002112721/http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/21119|archive-date=2 October 2019|access-date=2 October 2019}} At the time, he became the youngest person ever to drive a Formula One car.{{Cite book|last=Chicane|url=https://archive.org/details/fastestshowonear0000unse/|title=The Fastest Show on Earth: The Mammoth Book of Formula 1|publisher=Little, Brown Book Group|year=2015|isbn=978-0-7624-5622-2|location=London, England|pages=58–59, 154–155|url-access=registration|via=Open Library}}

The 2003 season saw Rosberg progress to the higher-tier Formula 3 Euro Series with Team Rosberg. Driving a Dallara F303-Opel car, he won once at the Bugatti Circuit and took five podium finishes for eighth in the Drivers' Championship with 45 points. He was second in the Rookie Cup to Christian Klien. In November 2003, Rosberg was given a test in a Formula 3000 car at the Circuito de Jerez by Paolo Coloni, the team owner of Scuderia Coloni, as preparation for future F1 testing with Williams.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2333613/Rosberg-has-Williams-in-raptures.html|title=Rosberg has Williams in raptures|last=Edworthy|first=Sarah|date=13 March 2006|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=2 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707075245/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2333613/Rosberg-has-Williams-in-raptures.html|archive-date=7 July 2016|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/keke-tyoskentelee-nicon-f1-paikan-eteen/3967036#gs.7k0gbc|title=Keke työskentelee Nicon F1-paikan eteen|date=7 November 2003|access-date=2 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002124403/https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/keke-tyoskentelee-nicon-f1-paikan-eteen/3967036|archive-date=2 October 2019|publisher=MTV3|language=fi|trans-title=Keke is working in front of Nico's F1 slot}} That same month, he entered the Macau Grand Prix and the Korea Super Prix with Carlin Motorsport,{{Cite web|title=Piquet and Rosberg in new teams for East|url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/24837|date=2 October 2003|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191002122639/http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/24837|archive-date=2 October 2019|access-date=2 October 2019}} finishing 11th in Korea. Rosberg tested twice more for Williams in a modified FW25A car at the Circuit de Catalunya in December and January 2004 for them to evaluate his ability as a test driver.{{Cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/sport/williams-to-test-piquet-and-rosberg-teens-530435|title=Williams to test Piquet and Rosberg teens|date=27 October 2003|work=Cape Argus|access-date=2 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002132628/https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/sport/williams-to-test-piquet-and-rosberg-teens-530435|archive-date=2 October 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A112232576/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=eb84aec4|title=Testing time|date=17 January 2004|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=2 October 2019|page=G06|via=Gale OneFile: News|url-access=subscription|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102753/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA112232576&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=eb84aec4|url-status=live}}

He remained with Team Rosberg for the 2004 Formula 3 Euro Series. Before that, Rosberg won two rounds of the Spanish Formula 3 Winter Series at the Circuito de Albacete as preparation.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dlg.speedfreaks.org/archive/2004/ewf3.html|title=2004 Spanish F3 Winter Series|publisher=The GEL Motorsport Information Page|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002160336/http://www.dlg.speedfreaks.org/archive/2004/ewf3.html|archive-date=2 October 2019|access-date=2 October 2019}} He won the season's first two races at the Hockenheimring and his campaign faltered through incidents and accidents: he took one other victory at the Nürburgring and three podium finishes. Rosberg finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship with 70 points and was sixth at the Masters of Formula 3.{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20141118-hamilton-and-rosberg-formula-1s-fractured-fraternity|title=Hamilton and Rosberg, Formula 1's fractured fraternity|last=Altieri|first=Devin|date=18 November 2014|access-date=2 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119115615/http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20141118-hamilton-and-rosberg-formula-1s-fractured-fraternity|archive-date=19 November 2014|publisher=BBC Autos}} He later crashed from the lead of the Macau Grand Prix in November and was second at the Bahrain Superprix a month later.

In the off-season, he passed an interview for acceptance into Imperial College London,{{cite journal|last=Cooper|first=Steve|title=Нико Росберг: новая надежда Williams|trans-title=Nico Rosberg: a new hope Williams|language=ru|journal=F1 Racing|date=January–February 2006|pages=76–82}} a university where several Formula One designers were educated, to study aeronautical engineering. Rosberg chose not to further his education so as to be able to commit to his racing career; the university would have allowed him to combine the course with his racing.{{Cite news|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A143440922/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=cad0f932|title=Father's day is passing|last=Gordon|first=Moira|date=19 March 2006|work=Scotland on Sunday|access-date=3 October 2019|page=23|via=Gale OneFile: News|url-access=subscription|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102754/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA143440922&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=cad0f932|url-status=live}} Rosberg's father did not overturn the decision.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/mar/22/motorsports.formulaone2|title=Rising Rosberg primed to emerge from old friend's slipstream|last=Henry|first=Alan|date=22 March 2008|work=The Guardian|access-date=4 October 2019|author-link=Alan Henry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007012728/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/mar/22/motorsports.formulaone2|archive-date=7 October 2014|url-status=live}} For the inaugural GP2 Series season in 2005, Rosberg wanted to drive for BCN Competicion due to its form in the 2004 International Formula 3000 Championship. ART Grand Prix founders Nicolas Todt and Frédéric Vasseur used a sales presentation to persuade him to race for their squad;{{Cite web|url=https://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/nico-rosberg-chases-title-will-buxton/|title=Riddle of Rosberg; Complicated and mercurial, Rosberg remains undeniably gifted behind the wheel|last=Buxton|first=Will|author-link=Will Buxton|date=18 November 2014|publisher=NBC Sports|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121201840/https://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/nico-rosberg-chases-title-will-buxton/|archive-date=21 November 2014|access-date=4 October 2019}} he paid around £850,000 to drive for the team.{{Cite news|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A141698937/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=02f1d798|title=Son also rises; Interview|last=Rae|first=Richard|date=29 January 2006|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=5 October 2019|page=12|via=Gale Academic OneFile|url-access=subscription|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102754/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA141698937&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=02f1d798|url-status=live}}

Rosberg achieved his first series victory in the sprint race at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours and won the feature races at Silverstone Circuit and the Hockenheimring from pole position.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fiaformula2.com/Guide-to/The-story-so-far/2005-Season/|title=Hall of Fame: 2005 Season|publisher=FIA Formula 2|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002203720/http://www.fiaformula2.com/Guide-to/The-story-so-far/2005-Season/|archive-date=2 October 2019|access-date=2 October 2019}} He took the Drivers' Championship lead with a third-place finish in the feature race at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps when previous leader Heikki Kovalainen took eighth.{{Cite web|url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/46893|title=Kovalainen Spins, Rosberg Grins|last=Cameron|first=David|date=10 September 2005|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002203721/http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/46893|archive-date=2 October 2019|access-date=2 October 2019}} Rosberg maintained the points lead during the season-ending Bahrain International Circuit round, winning both races to claim the first GP2 Series title with 120 points.{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/4295122.stm|title=Rosberg wraps up GP2 championship|date=30 September 2005|publisher=BBC Sport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051013122850/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/4295122.stm|archive-date=13 October 2005|access-date=2 October 2019}}

In April 2005, Rosberg was signed by Williams as its second test driver. He and fellow driver Nelson Piquet Jr. were analysed extensively before Rosberg was selected. He worked with Williams's test and reserve driver Antônio Pizzonia and continued to focus on the GP2 Series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/51897/1/exclusive-rosberg-signs-williams-test-deal|title=Rosberg to join Williams test strength|date=22 April 2005|publisher=Crash.net|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002203729/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/51897/1/exclusive-rosberg-signs-williams-test-deal|archive-date=2 October 2019|access-date=2 October 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2005/04/24/rosberg-to-test-for-williams-minardi-opt-for-chinese-driver#YKtqKvXGabDTYam3.99|title=Rosberg to test for Williams, Minardi opt for Chinese driver|date=24 April 2005|work=The Star|access-date=2 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408064620/https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2005/04/24/rosberg-to-test-for-williams-minardi-opt-for-chinese-driver|archive-date=8 April 2020}} After race driver Nick Heidfeld was injured in a bicycle accident in September, Rosberg was shortlisted by Williams as his potential replacement for the final two races, the {{F1GP|2005|Japanese}} and the {{F1GP|2005|Chinese}}.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/sep/16/formulaone.sport|title=Keke Rosberg's son may get Williams drive|last=Henry|first=Alan|date=15 September 2005|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002203716/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/sep/16/formulaone.sport|archive-date=2 October 2019|url-status=live}} The team opted for Pizzonia because they did not want to risk delaying Rosberg's career by one to two years if he had a poor performance.{{Cite web|url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/47675|title=Rosberg on Williams' Shortlist|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=8 October 2005|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002203720/http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/47675|archive-date=2 October 2019|access-date=2 October 2019}}

File:Nico Rosberg Canada 2006.jpg

Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One's commercial rights owner, said to Williams team principal and founder Frank Williams he thought it would be advantageous to sign Rosberg as part of a campaign to bring energetic drivers to the sport.{{cite news|last=McRae|first=Donald|title=New kid on the grid follows his father's formula|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/mar/07/formulaone.sport|work=The Guardian|date=7 March 2006|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219005038/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/mar/07/formulaone.sport|archive-date=19 December 2013|url-status=live}} Williams told Rosberg in October 2005 that he was assured of a role on the team as either a racer or test driver for {{F1|2006}} after British American Racing's Jenson Button was released from a contract with the team.{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/formula/rosburg-ready-for-big-time-225422.html|title=Rosburg ready for big time|date=14 October 2005|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=3 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003073104/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/formula/rosburg-ready-for-big-time-225422.html|archive-date=3 October 2019|url-status=live}} Autosport reported Rosberg signed a contract that month to race for Williams in 2006 allowing the team to provide him with as much car acclimatisation as possible.{{Cite web|url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/48029|title=Rosberg Handed Second Williams Seat|date=20 October 2005|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003073101/http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/48029|archive-date=3 October 2019|access-date=3 October 2019}} The following month, Rosberg signed a five-year contract with Williams, being selected by Frank Williams for his driving ability, his knowledge of Formula One technology, and for articulately communicating data to engineers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/kevingarside/2367705/Rosberg-given-drive-by-Williams.html|title=Rosberg given drive by Williams|last=Garside|first=Kevin|date=4 November 2005|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=3 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003073103/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/kevingarside/2367705/Rosberg-given-drive-by-Williams.html|archive-date=3 October 2019|url-status=live}} He was told of the news by his father in advance.{{Cite news|url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/sport/formel-1/interview-papa-war-so-stolz-dass-er-durch-keine-tuer-mehr-passte-1277676.html|title=Papa war so stolz, daß er durch keine Tür mehr paßte|date=3 November 2005|work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung|access-date=3 October 2019|language=de|trans-title=Dad was so proud that he did not fit through any door|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416124036/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/sport/formel-1/interview-papa-war-so-stolz-dass-er-durch-keine-tuer-mehr-passte-1277676.html|archive-date=16 April 2020}}

Rosberg was paid £500,000 by Williams and was the first son of a former world champion in Formula One since Damon Hill in {{F1|1999}}.{{Cite news|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A138331773/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=475e83bc|title=Rosberg on same track as his father at Williams; Motor racing|last=Eason|first=Kevin|date=4 November 2005|work=The Times|access-date=3 October 2019|page=97|via=Gale Academic OneFile|url-access=subscription|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102752/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA138331773&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=475e83bc|url-status=live}} To prepare for the season, he achieved the highest score ever in Williams's Engineering Aptitude Test, which tests a new driver's knowledge of car mechanics and engineering aspects of Formula One,{{efn|The test, which was written up by the technical director Sam Michael, focused on driving with understeer and oversteer, adjusting the differential and solving issues with the car.}} and ceased reading the news to avoid becoming angered by negative publicity.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport-total.com/formel-1/news/rosberg-will-2006-keine-zeitungen-mehr-lesen-06020307|title=Rosberg will 2006 keine Zeitungen mehr lesen|trans-title=Rosberg will not read any more newspapers in 2006|last=Nimmervoll|first=Christian|date=3 February 2006|publisher=motorsport-total.com|language=de|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003073104/https://www.motorsport-total.com/formel-1/news/rosberg-will-2006-keine-zeitungen-mehr-lesen-06020307|archive-date=3 October 2019|access-date=3 October 2019}} He was assigned race engineer Tony Ross. At the season-opening {{F1GP|2006|Bahrain}}, Rosberg scored his first career points with a seventh-place finish and set the race's fastest lap, becoming at the time the youngest fastest lap setter in history, aged 20 years, 8 months and 13 days.{{efn|The current holder of this record is Max Verstappen, who set the fastest lap of the {{F1GP|2016|Brazilian}} when he was 19 years and 44 days.{{cite web|last=Kelly|first=Sean|title=Stat Wrap: 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix|url=http://f1.channel4.com/news/stat-wrap-2016-brazilian-grand-prix/|publisher=Channel 4 F1|date=14 November 2016|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115031005/http://f1.channel4.com/news/stat-wrap-2016-brazilian-grand-prix/|archive-date=15 November 2016|url-status=live}}}} One week later, at the {{F1GP|2006|Malaysian}}, he achieved a season-best start of third before his engine failed after seven laps.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|url=http://autosport.com/f1/news/50322/rosberg-admits-to-error-at-sepang-start|title=Engine blow-up ends Rosberg's fairy tale|date=19 March 2006|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408065259/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/50322/rosberg-admits-to-error-at-sepang-start|archive-date=8 April 2020|access-date=3 October 2019}} He scored points once more during the season with a seventh at the {{F1GP|2006|European}} as he made driver errors from inexperience and drove an unreliable car.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nico-rosberg-puts-faith-in-williamss-progress-9q0d3k53w3q|title=Nico Rosberg puts faith in Williams's progress|last=Rae|first=Richard|date=9 March 2008|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=4 October 2019|url-access=subscription|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808042435/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nico-rosberg-puts-faith-in-williamss-progress-9q0d3k53w3q|url-status=live}} Rosberg was outpaced by his teammate Mark Webber, with whom he had a good relationship.{{cite news|last=McKay|first=Peter|title=F1's next big thing arrives in Nico time, and he's quick|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A283621629/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=4fe615a6|work=The Sun-Herald|date=28 May 2006|access-date=3 October 2019|page=104|via=Gale OneFile: News|url-access=subscription|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102754/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA283621629&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=4fe615a6|url-status=live}} He finished with 4 points for 17th in the World Drivers' Championship (WDC).File:Nico Rosberg 2007 Britain.jpg

For {{F1|2007}}, Rosberg was partnered by the more experienced Alexander Wurz.{{Cite web|date=2 February 2007|title=Rosberg hopeful ahead of new season|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/56562|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003083245/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/56562|archive-date=3 October 2008|access-date=23 November 2014|work=Autosport}} He and his father mutually agreed to stop working with each other,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/nico-rosberg-formula-one-champion-career-leadership|title=Nico Rosberg quit F1. Now he wants to win as a tech entrepreneur|last=Weeks|first=Jim|date=10 November 2017|magazine=Wired|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709074358/http://www.wired.co.uk/article/nico-rosberg-formula-one-champion-career-leadership|archive-date=9 July 2018|access-date=7 October 2019}} and began working with a sports psychologist.{{Cite news|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=13 July 2019|title=Motor racing-Rosberg happy to see Hamilton break all records|publisher=Eurosport|agency=Reuters|editor-last=Davis|editor-first=Toby|url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/formula-1/motor-racingrosberg-happy-to-see-hamilton-break-all-records_sto7371062/story.shtml|access-date=4 June 2020|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102754/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Damien|date=6 April 2021|title=How F1 hard-knocks made Nico Rosberg a 'sensitive' manager|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/rally/extreme-e/how-f1-hard-knocks-made-nico-rosberg-a-sensitive-manager|url-status=live|access-date=16 August 2021|website=Motor Sport|archive-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816200225/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/rally/extreme-e/how-f1-hard-knocks-made-nico-rosberg-a-sensitive-manager}} Rosberg's performances improved greatly from 2006 due to Williams restructuring itself and employing more experienced and capable personnel, making his FW29 car reliable and more efficient with the installation of a less complex seamless transmission. He had more confidence in setting up the car to his liking, extracting additional speed and balance consistently.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?series=6&id=3134914|title=Rising star Rosberg opening eyes in F1|last=Knutson|first=Dan|date=30 November 2007|publisher=ESPN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214171858/http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=6&id=3134914|archive-date=14 December 2007|access-date=3 October 2019}} Rosberg also gained experience in controlling his emotions without losing speed, frequently qualified ahead of Wurz and took points seven times with a season-best of fourth at the season-ending {{F1GP|2007|Brazilian}}. Rosberg scored 20 points for ninth in the WDC.

His performances throughout the season enhanced his reputation, and he was linked to several teams for {{F1|2008}}. McLaren offered Frank Williams "majestic proportions" to sign Rosberg to replace the outgoing two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, but Williams immediately rejected the offer. Rosberg's contract was extended to the end of {{F1|2009}} on the basis of where Williams finished in the Constructors' Championship. Rosberg later told Williams of his desire to remain with them on the condition he would receive a competitive car.{{efn|Rosberg's father was not enthusiastic about his son being teammates with Lewis Hamilton because the latter had outperformed him in karting and the Formula 3 Euro Series.}}{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7076956.stm|title=Williams warn McLaren off Rosberg|date=4 November 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105093322/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7076956.stm|archive-date=5 November 2007|access-date=4 October 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65399|title=Williams surprised to keep Rosberg for '09|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=29 February 2008|website=Autosport|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306000611/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65399|archive-date=6 March 2008|access-date=4 October 2019}}

File:Nico Rosberg 2008 Monaco.jpg

The 2008 season was the first in which Rosberg was the more experienced driver on his team, being partnered by Williams test driver Kazuki Nakajima.{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Bruce|title=Grand Prix 2008|url=https://archive.org/details/grandprix200800jone/|year=2008|publisher=Carlton Books|location=London, England|pages=22–24|isbn=978-1-84732-104-6}} He began the season by finishing third at the {{F1GP|2008|Australian}}, the first podium finish of his career. Afterwards, his campaign faltered because the FW30 car lacked outright performance and Williams did not develop the car fast enough for it to be competitive.{{Cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72249|title=Rosberg ready to re-think future after '09|last=Elizalde|first=Pablo|date=25 November 2008|website=Autosport|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218080910/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72249|archive-date=18 December 2008|access-date=4 October 2019}} Rosberg was occasionally outperformed by Nakajima, and driver errors lost him chances to score more points;{{Cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns20994.html|title=Careful Nico...|date=25 November 2008|publisher=GrandPrix.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230080443/http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns20994.html|archive-date=30 December 2008|access-date=4 October 2019}} he was able to adapt to a ban on traction control from Formula One.{{Cite news|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A178867242/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=48630eb0|title=Rosberg set to shine again; Spreadwise Formula One|last=Scriven|first=Adam|date=11 May 2008|work=Racing Post|access-date=4 October 2019|page=111|via=Gale OneFile: News|url-access=subscription|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102755/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA178867242&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=48630eb0|url-status=live}} He improved the best result of his career with a second at the inaugural {{F1GP|2008|Singapore}} 14 races later, and finished 13th in the WDC with 17 points.

File:Rosberg 2009 British GP 1.jpg

Rosberg was again partnered with Nakajima for the 2009 season.{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-racing-williams/williams-stick-with-rosberg-and-nakajima-idUKTRE4909CU20081002|title=Williams stick with Rosberg and Nakajima|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=2 October 2008|access-date=4 October 2019|work=Reuters|editor-last=Mehaffey|editor-first=John|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809183238/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-racing-williams/williams-stick-with-rosberg-and-nakajima-idUKTRE4909CU20081002|url-status=dead}} He lost five percent of his body weight to compensate for the introduction of the kinetic energy recovery systems increasing the car's minimum weight limit to {{convert|605|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite news|url=https://www.gq-magazin.de/leben-als-mann/sport/nico-rosberg-nico-rosberg-naechster-schumi|title=Nico Rosberg, nächster Schumi|last=Priess|first=Jesko|date=8 March 2010|work=GQ|access-date=4 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004184020/https://www.gq-magazin.de/leben-als-mann/sport/nico-rosberg-nico-rosberg-naechster-schumi|archive-date=4 October 2019|language=de|trans-title=Nico Rosberg, next Schumi}} Rosberg had an improved season: the Williams FW31 was one of three cars to have an early speed advantage because it featured a double diffuser system and Rosberg led the first 15 laps of the Malaysian Grand Prix,{{cite web|url=http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/f1/2009/malaysia/Pages/lap_chart.aspx |title=Lap Chart |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile |date=5 April 2009 |access-date=23 April 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214075326/http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/f1/2009/malaysia/Pages/lap_chart.aspx |archive-date=14 February 2012 }} however, the team could not sustain the car's pace of development. He finished 16 of 17 rounds; the exception was the {{F1GP|2009|Brazilian}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/drv-rosnic.html|title=Encyclopedia: Drivers: Nico Rosberg|publisher=GrandPrix.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206042912/http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/drv-rosnic.html|archive-date=6 December 2016|access-date=4 October 2019}} Rosberg was consistent in finishing in the points-paying positions, achieving a season-best result of fourth at the {{F1GP|2009|German}} and the following {{F1GP|2009|Hungarian}}. He scored 34.5 points for seventh in the WDC.

File:Rosberg Malaysian GP start 2010 (cropped).jpg

In mid-to-late 2009, Mercedes-Benz vice-president of motorsport Norbert Haug discussed with Rosberg the possibility of driving for the manufacturer in {{F1|2010}} pending its acquisition of Brawn GP.{{Cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/6190729/Jenson-Buttons-future-unsure-as-Brawn-target-Nico-Rosberg.html|title=Jenson Button's future unsure as Brawn target Nico Rosberg|last=Cary|first=Tom|date=15 September 2009|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=4 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923002653/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/6190729/Jenson-Buttons-future-unsure-as-Brawn-target-Nico-Rosberg.html|archive-date=23 September 2009}} Rosberg also talked to McLaren and Williams about potential employment; he was skeptical because Williams was mulling over whether Renault or Cosworth should be the team's engine supplier.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/17688/rosberg-names-brawn-and-mclaren-as-2010-options/|title=Rosberg names Brawn and McLaren as 2010 options|date=21 September 2009|publisher=Motor1.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004173953/https://www.motor1.com/news/17688/rosberg-names-brawn-and-mclaren-as-2010-options/|archive-date=4 October 2019|access-date=4 October 2019}} On 29 October, he confirmed his departure from Williams at the conclusion of the season{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/29/motorsport.f1.nico.rosberg.williams/index.html|title=Rosberg confirms Williams exit for 2010|date=29 October 2009|access-date=4 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031131958/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/29/motorsport.f1.nico.rosberg.williams/index.html|archive-date=31 October 2009|publisher=CNN}} and was officially released from his contract with the team on 1 January 2010.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/williams-will-only-let-nico-rosberg-go-on-january-1-12812.html|title=Williams Will Only Let Nico Rosberg Go on January 1|last=Panzariu|first=Ovidiu|date=4 November 2009|publisher=Auto Evolution|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004181014/https://www.autoevolution.com/news/williams-will-only-let-nico-rosberg-go-on-january-1-12812.html|archive-date=4 October 2019|access-date=4 October 2019}} One week later Mercedes purchased 75 percent of Brawn GP and entered Formula One under its own name, employing Rosberg to drive for the team. He was partnered with the seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and was assigned car {{Abbr|No.|Car number}} 4 after Schumacher requested No. 3 for superstitious reasons.{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/7038114/Michael-Schumacher-swaps-racing-numbers-with-team-mate-Nico-Rosberg-for-luck.html|title=Michael Schumacher swaps racing numbers with team-mate Nico Rosberg for luck|date=20 January 2010|website=The Daily Telegraph|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124105719/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/7038114/Michael-Schumacher-swaps-racing-numbers-with-team-mate-Nico-Rosberg-for-luck.html|archive-date=24 January 2010|access-date=5 October 2019}}

Rosberg was mentored by Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn{{Cite journal|last=Straw|first=Edd|date=13 March 2014|title=Mercedes' dynamic duo|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A392177949/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=430321d8|journal=Autosport|volume=215|issue=11|pages=14–21|url-access=subscription|access-date=6 October 2019|via=Gale General OneFile|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102755/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA392177949&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=430321d8|url-status=live}} and was apprehensive when Schumacher joined the team, given the history of Brawn and Schumacher's relationship at Ferrari.{{Cite web|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/top-gear-chats-nico-rosberg|title=Top Gear chats to Nico Rosberg|last=Pattni|first=Vijay|date=12 February 2012|website=Top Gear|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906154240/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/top-gear-chats-nico-rosberg|archive-date=6 September 2015|access-date=10 October 2019}} He was concerned that Schumacher would dominate the team, and in early strategy meetings, found that his own strategy was being discussed with Schumacher more than with him. He felt that Schumacher was constantly acting to cause him minor stress or to assert dominance.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Luke|title=Rosberg feared 'God'-like Schumacher would manipulate Mercedes|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rosberg-schumacher-god-manipulation-mercedes/4792142/|publisher=motorsport.com|date=17 May 2020|access-date=4 June 2020|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102757/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rosberg-schumacher-god-manipulation-mercedes/4792142/|url-status=live}}

Rosberg finished in third place at the {{F1GP|2010|Malaysian}}, the {{F1GP|2010|Chinese}}, and the {{F1GP|2010|British}}. He scored championship points in all but four rounds; he generally finished higher than he qualified and did so against his teammate Schumacher fifteen times to four that season. He was better able than Schumacher to cope with a terminal understeer affecting the MGP W01's handling due to Mercedes forgoing much development work on the car because of Brawn GP's title focus the previous year. The car was five-tenths of a second slower on most circuits.{{Cite journal|last=Hughes|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Hughes (motorsport)|date=January 2011|title=Reputations gained and on the wane: perceptions of Mercedes F1 teammates Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg shifted in opposite directions in 2010|url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=56536307&site=ehost-live|journal=Racer|issue=225|pages=22–25|access-date=5 October 2019|via=EBSCO Academic Search|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102804/https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=56536307&site=ehost-live|url-status=live}} Rosberg was seventh in the WDC with 142 points. His performances during the season enhanced his reputation as a consistent and fast driver.

File:F1 2011 Test Jerez 19 (cropped).jpg in February 2011]]

Rosberg remained with Mercedes for {{F1|2011}} and was again joined by Schumacher. He had a mixed season: he led the {{F1GP|2011|Chinese}} and the {{F1GP|2011|Belgian}}, but the MGP W02 wore the Pirelli tyres quickly, making the car noncompetitive. Rosberg was able to maintain a consistent performance in every qualifying session and began higher than his teammate Schumacher sixteen times to three.{{Cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/story/70433.html|title=Rosberg not afraid of Schumacher resurgence|date=15 February 2012|publisher=ESPN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102130353/http://en.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/story/70433.html|archive-date=2 November 2017|access-date=5 October 2019}} He finished no higher than fifth in the season's 19 rounds and was seventh in the WDC with 89 points.

File:Nico Rosberg 2012 Malaysia FP3.jpg

The press linked Rosberg to replace the poor performing Felipe Massa at Ferrari for {{F1|2012}}.{{Cite news|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A271670965/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=092525de|title=Rosberg set to replace Massi at Ferrari|date=5 November 2011|access-date=5 October 2019|agency=Asian News International|via=Gale OneFile: News|url-access=subscription|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102800/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA271670965&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=092525de|url-status=live}} In November 2011, he signed a contract extension to remain at Mercedes until after {{F1|2013}}. An important factor in Rosberg's decision was the Mercedes team undergoing a technical restructure, which saw the appointments of Bob Bell as technical director and Geoff Willis as head of technology in mid-2011.{{Cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96064|title=Mercedes technical restructure key to Nico Rosberg's decision to re-sign|last1=Noble|first1=Jonathan|last2=O'Leary|first2=Jamie|date=10 November 2011|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112160957/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96064|archive-date=12 November 2011|access-date=5 October 2019}} Other reasons included his belief Mercedes would be able to improve their performance and challenge for race victories.{{Cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it//2011/dicembre/07/battuto_Schumi_non_sono_contento_ga_10_111207059.shtml|title=Ho battuto Schumi ma non-sono contento|last=Pino|first=Allievi|date=7 November 2011|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|access-date=5 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191005173540/http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it//2011/dicembre/07/battuto_Schumi_non_sono_contento_ga_10_111207059.shtml|archive-date=5 October 2019|language=it|trans-title="I beat Schumi but I'm not happy"}}

Three-time world champion Niki Lauda began to advise Rosberg.{{cite journal|title=Mum, Dad & Niki|url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=98501171&site=ehost-live|journal=Auto Auction|issue=1608|page=23|date=11 September 2014|access-date=8 October 2019|via=MasterFILE Complete|url-access=subscription|issn=1320-2073|archive-date=20 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420113825/https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=98501171&site=ehost-live|url-status=live}} At the {{F1GP|2012|Chinese}}, the season's third round, he took the first pole position of his career and his maiden career victory.{{Cite book|last=Hamilton|first=Maurice|title=Formula 1: The Official History|publisher=Welbeck Publishing Group|year=2020|isbn=978-1-78739-496-4|location=London, England|pages=240, 244–245, 252}} He then challenged Red Bull's Mark Webber for the victory at the {{F1GP|2012|Monaco}} three races later before he settled for a second-place finish.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport-magazin.com/formel1/news-143359-rosberg-wir-hatten-das-schnellste-auto/|title=Zeitgewinn an der Box reichte nicht – Rosberg: Wir hatten das schnellste Auto|last=Hackbarth|first=Frederik|date=27 May 2012|website=Motorsport Magazin|language=de|trans-title=Time saving at the box was not enough – Rosberg: We had the fastest car|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191005202121/https://www.motorsport-magazin.com/formel1/news-143359-rosberg-wir-hatten-das-schnellste-auto/|archive-date=5 October 2019|access-date=5 October 2019}} Rosberg had accumulated more championship points than any other driver in the season's previous four races and emerged as an unlikely contender for the WDC.{{Cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/100187|title=Rosberg confident Mercedes can unlock secrets of 2012 Pirellis|last1=Noble|first1=Jonathan|last2=Freeman|first2=Glenn|date=8 June 2012|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608173100/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/100187|archive-date=8 June 2012|access-date=5 October 2019}} Notwithstanding this, he achieved one further top-five finish during the season. However, he struggled to generate temperature into the rear tires on the Mercedes F1 W03 regardless of the climatic conditions, and the car was suited to circuits with slow-speed corners.{{Cite journal|date=30 August 2012|title=Brawn puts final pieces in place at Mercedes|url=http://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/autosport/2012/8/AS2012.08.30.pdf|journal=Autosport|volume=209|pages=10–11|access-date=5 October 2019|number=9|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005211503/http://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/autosport/2012/8/AS2012.08.30.pdf|archive-date=5 October 2019|url-status=live}} He was ninth in the WDC with 93 points.

File:Nico Rosberg 2013 Britain FP3.jpg

{{see also|Hamilton–Rosberg rivalry}}

Before the 2013 season, Rosberg was joined at Mercedes by the 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton, who replaced the retired Michael Schumacher.{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/nico-rosberg-reveals-he-encouraged-lewis-hamilton-to-join-mclaren-8199147.html|title=Nico Rosberg reveals he encouraged Lewis Hamilton to join McLaren|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=5 October 2012|work=The Independent|access-date=6 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006064900/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/nico-rosberg-reveals-he-encouraged-lewis-hamilton-to-join-mclaren-8199147.html|archive-date=6 October 2019|agency=Reuters}} He was granted equal status by Mercedes and received no preferential treatment alongside Hamilton.{{Cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102913|title=Nico Rosberg will have equal status with Lewis Hamilton in 2013|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=28 September 2012|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001004852/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102913|archive-date=1 October 2012|access-date=6 October 2019}} During the pre-season period, Rosberg visited the Mercedes factory in Brackley, England, displaying a fascination with the F1 W04's technological development and assisting the team in the car's development.{{Cite journal|last=Codling|first=Stuart|date=March 2013|title=Nico's Next Move|journal=F1 Racing|edition=United Kingdom|volume=205|pages=97–99|issn=1361-4487|oclc=476470071}}

Rosberg challenged his teammate Hamilton during the season qualifying higher eight times and finishing more often.{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1926789-f1-2013-head-to-head-lewis-hamilton-vs-nico-rosberg-at-mercedes|title=F1 2013 Head-to-Head: Lewis Hamilton vs. Nico Rosberg at Mercedes|last=Masefield|first=Fraser|date=17 January 2014|publisher=Bleacher Report|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117184831/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1926789-f1-2013-head-to-head-lewis-hamilton-vs-nico-rosberg-at-mercedes|archive-date=17 January 2014|access-date=6 October 2019}} At the {{F1GP|2013|Malaysian}}, the season's second race, a minor controversy came about when Mercedes invoked team orders on him to stay behind Hamilton.{{cite book|last=Codling|first=Stuart|title=Speed Read F1: The Technology, Rules, History and Concepts Key to the Sport|chapter=Rivlaries: Lewis Hamilton vs. Nico Rosberg|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VNA1DwAAQBAJ&q=nico+rosberg&pg=PA78|publisher=Motorbooks|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|year=2017|page=78|isbn=978-0-7603-5562-6|access-date=18 November 2020|archive-date=20 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420113816/https://books.google.com/books?id=VNA1DwAAQBAJ&q=nico+rosberg&pg=PA78|url-status=live}} Unhappy with the decision, Rosberg led every lap from pole position to win the {{F1GP|2013|Monaco}} and became the first son of a world champion to win the event.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/27/sports/autoracing/27iht-prix27.html|title=As His Father Did, Rosberg Wins Monaco Grand Prix|last=Spurgeon|first=Brad|date=26 May 2013|work=The New York Times|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006111128/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/27/sports/autoracing/27iht-prix27.html|archive-date=6 October 2019|url-status=live}} He then won the {{F1GP|2013|British}} for his third career victory after Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel suffered a broken gearbox.{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motor-sport/formula1/british-grand-prix-nico-rosberg-keeps-victory-after-reprimand-29384092.html|title=British Grand Prix: Nico Rosberg keeps victory after reprimand|date=30 June 2013|work=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006111127/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motor-sport/formula1/british-grand-prix-nico-rosberg-keeps-victory-after-reprimand-29384092.html|archive-date=6 October 2019|url-status=live}} Thereafter, Rosberg earned points in nine of the season's ten final rounds with consecutive podium finishes—{{Cite web|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/nico-rosberg/grand-prix.aspx|title=Nico Rosberg – Grands Prix started|publisher=StatsF1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630042341/http://www.statsf1.com/en/nico-rosberg/grand-prix.aspx|archive-date=30 June 2017|access-date=6 October 2019}} second at the {{F1GP|2013|Indian}} and third at the {{F1GP|2013|Abu Dhabi}}. He finished sixth in the WDC with 171 points and three pole positions. Rosberg's results over the season earned him additional respect within the Formula One community.

File:Nico Rosberg 2014 Singapore FP2.jpg

Rosberg continued to drive for Mercedes in {{F1|2014}} with Lewis Hamilton again as his teammate.{{Cite book|last=Jones|first=Bruce|url=https://archive.org/details/formulaone2015of0000jone/page/n3/mode/2up|title=The Official BBC Sport Guide: Formula One 2015|publisher=Carlton Books|year=2015|isbn=978-1-78097-607-5|location=London, England|pages=92–117|url-access=registration|via=Internet Archive}} He was regarded as a favourite for the WDC because of the team's development of the F1 W05 Hybrid car and adaptation to the technical regulations mandating the use of turbo-hybrid engines in pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.{{Cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/22058/9192860/what-weve-learnt-at-bahrain-test-two|title=What we've learnt at Bahrain Test Two|last1=Gill|first1=Pete|last2=Galloway|first2=James|date=3 March 2014|publisher=Sky Sports|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304012509/http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/22058/9192860/what-weve-learnt-at-bahrain-test-two|archive-date=4 March 2014|access-date=6 October 2019|last3=Wise|first3=Mike}} Rosberg won the {{F1GP|2014|Australian}} to take the lead of the WDC and finished second in the next four races but Hamilton's four straight victories lost Rosberg the championship lead. Rosberg won the {{F1GP|2014|Monaco}} for the second year in succession to regain the points lead after qualifying on pole position in contentious circumstances. Victories in Austria, Germany, followed by contact with Hamilton in Belgium made it appear he would win the championship, until a short circuit on his car in Singapore nullified his points lead.{{Cite web|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=26 September 2014|title=Nico Rosberg retirement due to foreign substance – Mercedes|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/29387429|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001023246/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/29387429|archive-date=1 October 2014|access-date=6 October 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}} Rosberg took four consecutive podium finishes and won the {{F1GP|2014|Brazilian}} to ensure the championship would be decided at the season-ending {{F1GP|2014|Abu Dhabi}}. To win the title, he needed to win the race with Hamilton third or lower.{{Cite news|date=11 November 2014|title=Nico Rosberg sets up last-day title showdown with Lewis Hamilton after Brazil win|work=South China Morning Post|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1636312/nico-rosberg-sets-last-day-title-showdown-lewis-hamilton-after|url-status=live|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006135732/https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1636312/nico-rosberg-sets-last-day-title-showdown-lewis-hamilton-after|archive-date=6 October 2019}} Hamilton was already ahead of Rosberg on track and leading the race when an energy recovery system failure meant Rosberg scored no points for second in the WDC with 317 points.

File:Mercedes AMG No.6 Nico Rosberg (21920246400).jpg

Having signed a contract worth a reported €55 million with Mercedes that was due to expire at the conclusion of {{F1|2016}}, Rosberg continued to drive for the team in {{F1|2015}}.{{efn|The leaked Panama Papers revealed that the contract was constructed with the law firm Mossack Fonseca administered company to restrict "liability law" risks and allow Rosberg to operate internationally. Neither Daimler nor Rosberg committed malice.{{cite news|last=Lukas Strozyk|first=Jan|title=Transferverhandlungen mit der Briefkastenfirma Spitzensportler im Visier|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/panamapapers-163.html|publisher=Tagesschau|language=de|date=6 April 2016|access-date=10 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406084255/http://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/panamapapers-163.html|archive-date=6 April 2016|url-status=live}}}}{{Cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/24207/9383525/nico-rosberg-agress-new-multi-year-contract-extension-with-mercedes|title=Nico Rosberg agrees new multi-year contract extension with Mercedes|last=Esler|first=William|date=16 July 2014|publisher=Sky Sports|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717123840/http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/24207/9383525/nico-rosberg-agress-new-multi-year-contract-extension-with-mercedes|archive-date=17 July 2014|access-date=6 October 2019}} During the off-season he sought to correct a body deficiency, which caused him to hold his breath against g-forces in high-speed corners, since he did not want to limit the flow of oxygen to his brain and muscles.{{efn|Rosberg studied the "marginal gains" theory employed by sports coaches Clive Woodward and Dave Brailsford.}}{{Cite journal|last=Roberts|first=James|date=April 2015|title=Three Pointed Star|url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=103581863&site=ehost-live|journal=F1 Racing|issue=230|pages=80–85|issn=1361-4487|oclc=476470071|access-date=6 October 2019|via=EBSCO Academic Search|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102941/https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=103581863&site=ehost-live|url-status=live}} After four top-three podium finishes in the first four races, he won in Spain, Monaco and Austria,{{Cite journal|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=7 December 2015|title=Can Nico Rosberg Challenge Lewis Hamilton in 2016? Mercedes F1's No. 2 Finishes Behind Teammate for the Second Straight Year|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A439559175/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=2bb56c81|journal=Autoweek|volume=65|issue=23|pages=0064|url-access=subscription|access-date=6 October 2019|via=Gale General OneFile|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102948/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA439559175&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=2bb56c81|url-status=live}} which came as his overall performance lowered from focusing more on the race than on qualifying; Vettel threatened Rosberg's hold on second overall. Retirements in Italy and Russia and two errors on a wet track at the {{F1GP|2015|United States}} stopped him from taking the championship,{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-lewis-hamilton-and-nico-rosberg-move-forward-after-hat-gate-f1-incident/3220807/|title=How Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg move forward after "Hat-Gate" F1 incident|date=28 October 2015|publisher=motorsport.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006200040/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-lewis-hamilton-and-nico-rosberg-move-forward-after-hat-gate-f1-incident/3220807/|archive-date=6 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}} but wins in the final three races in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi and six consecutive pole positions placed him runner-up overall with 322 points.

Before the 2016 season, Rosberg stopped reading the news and studied sleep with a jet-lag doctor as he focused on his family and winning the next event.{{cite web|last=Parker|first=Sean|title=Nico Rosberg says deleting Facebook helped him become F1 champ|url=https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/nico-rosberg-says-deleting-facebook-helped-him-become-f1-champ-20180426|publisher=Wheels24|date=26 April 2018|access-date=4 September 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213032007/https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/nico-rosberg-says-deleting-facebook-helped-him-become-f1-champ-20180426|archive-date=13 February 2019}} He altered his racing gloves to improve his starts,{{cite podcast|title=Nico Rosberg on how to beat Hamilton, F1 retirement and more|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.podcast-nico-rosberg-on-how-to-beat-hamilton-f1-retirement-and-more.3VvuTGlQkUKWQ0CqQaQmUc.html|work=F1: Beyond The Grid|publisher=Formula One|date=24 October 2018|access-date=4 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606080623/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.podcast-nico-rosberg-on-how-to-beat-hamilton-f1-retirement-and-more.3VvuTGlQkUKWQ0CqQaQmUc.html|archive-date=6 June 2019}} removed paint from his helmet to make it {{convert|80|g|abbr=on}} lighter that slightly improved his performance,{{Cite news|last=Machell|first=Ben|date=14 August 2021|title=Me, Lewis Hamilton and My Eco Conversion: The Petrolhead Who Went Green|pages=40|work=The Times Magazine|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A672043548/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=d6321f71|url-access=subscription|access-date=16 August 2021|via=Gale Academic OneFile|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102942/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA672043548&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=d6321f71|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Schauhuber|first=Martin|title=Nico Rosberg in der Langfassung: Von Angst, Erfülltheit und Zielen|trans-title=Nico Rosberg in the long version: Of fear, fulfillment and goals|url=https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000116544561/nico-rosberg-in-der-langfassung-von-angst-erfuelltheit-und-zielen|work=Der Standard|language=de|date=6 April 2020|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409104700/https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000116544561/nico-rosberg-in-der-langfassung-von-angst-erfuelltheit-und-zielen|archive-date=9 April 2020|url-status=live}} employed a mental trainer to increase his aggression, and spent his spare time go-karting to maintain his ability.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/racers-who-beat-lewis-hamilton|title=The racers who beat Lewis Hamilton|last=Holder|first=Jim|date=1 January 2018|website=Autocar|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711184233/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/racers-who-beat-lewis-hamilton|archive-date=11 July 2019|access-date=7 October 2019}} Rosberg eschewed Facebook for five months, studied philosophy, meditated to stay concentrated, and received detailed technical input from Mercedes's mechanics at its headquarters in Brackley, England.{{cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/f1-grand-prix/beating-lewis-took-everything-i-had-rosberg-7693406|title=Beating Lewis took everything I had – Rosberg|last=McEvoy|first=Jonathan|date=10 February 2017|access-date=5 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005083414/https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/f1-grand-prix/beating-lewis-took-everything-i-had-rosberg-7693406|archive-date=5 October 2019|publisher=Independent Online}} He worked with his sports psychologist for up to eight hours per week with two hours of mental discipline every two days. Rosberg said he was confident of driving a competitive car and wanted to maintain his form by beating Hamilton more regularly.{{Cite web|url=http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/features/car-culture/cars-f1-2016-preview-nicos-hungry-car-april-2016/|title=CAR interviews Nico Rosberg, CAR+ April 2016|last=Clarkson|first=Tom|date=14 March 2016|website=Car|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929074337/http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/features/car-culture/cars-f1-2016-preview-nicos-hungry-car-april-2016/|archive-date=29 September 2017|access-date=7 October 2019}}

File:Rosberg - 2016 Monaco GP.jpg

He carried over his form from the 2015 season, winning the first four races to lead Hamilton by 43 championship points although Hamilton suffered reliability issues in two of those first four races. Rosberg and Hamilton made high-speed contact at the {{F1 GP|2016|Spanish}} after which Hamilton took the championship lead from Rosberg over the next eight races after sub-par results from the former.{{cite journal|last=Rowlinson|first=Anthony|date=January 2017|title=I Didn't Want to go Through That Again!|journal=F1 Racing|edition=United Kingdom|issue=251|pages=52–62|issn=1361-4487|oclc=476470071}} During the mid-season interval, Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda paid a special visit to Rosberg's home in Ibiza, to help Rosberg regain his confidence and to bounce back.{{Cite web|last=GMM|date=3 August 2016|title=Niki Lauda to help F1 contender Nico Rosberg get back on track|url=http://autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a1851461/niki-lauda-help-f1-contender-nico-rosberg-get-back-track/|url-status=live|access-date=25 April 2021|website=Autoweek|language=en-US|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108103122/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a1851461/niki-lauda-help-f1-contender-nico-rosberg-get-back-track/}}{{Cite web|date=5 August 2016|title=F1 {{!}} Lauda a Ibiza per aiutare Rosberg a ritrovare fiducia|url=https://www.formulapassion.it/motorsport/formula-1/f1-lauda-ibiza-aiutare-rosberg-ritrovare-la-fiducia-306229.html|access-date=25 April 2021|website=FormulaPassion.it|language=it-IT|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425192511/https://www.formulapassion.it/motorsport/formula-1/f1-lauda-ibiza-aiutare-rosberg-ritrovare-la-fiducia-306229.html|url-status=live}} Rosberg changed his diet to remove sugars from his body and abstained from alcohol. Rosberg mulled over how to further improve his performance; to avoid the strain of starting a diet,{{cite news|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/11/nico-rosberg-quit-cycling-leg-muscle-2016-lewis-hamilton|title=Nico Rosberg explains how losing a kilogram of leg muscle helped him win 2016 F1 title|last=Schwartz|first=Nick|date=17 November 2017|work=USA Today|access-date=5 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118082715/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/11/nico-rosberg-quit-cycling-leg-muscle-2016-lewis-hamilton|archive-date=18 November 2017}} he refrained from cycling, losing {{Convert|1|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of muscle in both his legs.{{cite web|last=Larkham|first=Lewis|title=Nico Rosberg 'messed' with Lewis Hamilton's head en route to 2016 F1 title|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/21271511/nico-rosberg-messed-lewis-hamilton-head-en-route-2016-f1-title|publisher=ESPN|date=3 November 2017|access-date=5 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104111954/https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/21271511/nico-rosberg-messed-lewis-hamilton-head-en-route-2016-f1-title|archive-date=4 November 2017|url-status=live}} He went on to win in Belgium, Singapore and Japan, and achieved three-second-place finishes in a row to enter the season-ending {{F1GP|2016|Abu Dhabi}} leading Hamilton by 12 points.

To win the championship, Rosberg needed to finish no worse than third, even if Hamilton won.{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-how-nico-rosberg-and-lewis-hamilton-can-clinch-the-2016-title-in-abu-dhabi/news-story/109b79d06513a5ea543dfc0a1108d726|title=F1: How Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton can clinch the 2016 title in Abu Dhabi|last=Dale|first=Will|date=22 November 2016|publisher=Fox Sports Australia|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126092627/http://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-how-nico-rosberg-and-lewis-hamilton-can-clinch-the-2016-title-in-abu-dhabi/news-story/109b79d06513a5ea543dfc0a1108d726|archive-date=26 November 2016|access-date=7 October 2019}} He won the WDC by five points with a second-place finish after withstanding Hamilton's attempts to back him into the chasing pack and encourage drivers to pass Rosberg to claim the title for himself. Rosberg became the second son of a former world champion to win the title since Damon Hill replicated his father Graham Hill in {{F1|1996}}.{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/886a464de4dd4c50a8d606960a772880|title=Like father, like son: Another Rosberg wins F1 title|last=Pugmire|first=Jerome|date=27 November 2016|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191007064423/https://www.apnews.com/886a464de4dd4c50a8d606960a772880|archive-date=7 October 2019|work=Associated Press|url-status=live}} He published a limited-edition book entitled Finally about the 2016 season on 24 December 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2016/12/24/nico-rosberg-launches-book-finally-profiling-f1-title-victory/|title=Nico Rosberg launches book, 'Finally', profiling F1 title victory|last=Smith|first=Luke|date=24 December 2016|publisher=NBC Sports|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225144047/http://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2016/12/24/nico-rosberg-launches-book-finally-profiling-f1-title-victory/|archive-date=25 December 2016|access-date=6 October 2019}} Overall, Rosberg competed in 206 races: he won 23, achieved 30 pole positions, gained 57 podium finishes, and scored 1594.5 championship points.

{{Infobox motor racing team

|name = {{flagicon|GER}} Rosberg X Racing

|logo =

|founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2020|10}}

|number = 6

|current series =

|current drivers = {{flagicon|SWE}} Johan Kristoffersson
{{flagicon|SWE}} Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky

|drivers = {{flagicon|AUS}} Molly Taylor

|races = 24

|wins = 9

|podiums = 13

|best qualifiers = 4

|super sectors = 4

|points = 421

|first entry = 2021 Desert X-Prix

|last entry = 2024 Hydro X-Prix II

|first win = 2021 Desert X-Prix

|last win = 2024 Desert X-Prix I

|team titles = 2 (2021, 2023)

|driver titles = 2 (2021, 2023)

|website = https://www.rosbergxracing.com/

|former names=|former series=Extreme E|folded={{Start date and age|df=yes|2024|12|28}}}}

File:Pressetermin Lukas Podolski und Nico Rosberg, Airport Köln-Bonn-7041.jpg

Rosberg, who had signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes to {{F1|2018}} in mid-2016, began to contemplate retirement from motor racing when he considered the possibility of a championship win after the 2016 Japanese Grand Prix. He discussed it twice with his wife Vivian before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and decided to commit to retiring before the race commenced. Afterwards, Rosberg told Vivian and manager Georg Noite that he would retire before telephoning the Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff about it. He did not tell Wolff in person because he was apprehensive about Wolff's reaction.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rosberg-admits-he-couldn-t-tell-wolff-about-f1-exit-in-person-856179/|title=Rosberg admits he couldn't tell Wolff about F1 exit in person|last1=Elizalde|first1=Pablo|last2=Noble|first2=Jonathan|date=2 December 2016|publisher=motorsport.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205161118/http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rosberg-admits-he-couldn-t-tell-wolff-about-f1-exit-in-person-856179/|archive-date=5 December 2016|access-date=7 October 2019}} At an FIA Prize Giving Ceremony in Vienna on 2 December 2016, five days after winning the championship, he made public his decision to retire. Rosberg said he had reached the "pinnacle" of his career; he did not want his driving skills to atrophy,{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/a2125c86-a07e-11e8-b196-da9d6c239ca8|title=The financial challenges sports stars face after the game|last=Ahmed|first=Murad|date=14 October 2018|work=Financial Times|access-date=9 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918074556/https://www.ft.com/content/a2125c86-a07e-11e8-b196-da9d6c239ca8|archive-date=18 September 2019}} and wished to spend more time with his young family. He was the first reigning champion to retire from Formula One since Alain Prost in 1993.{{Cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/12/02/nico-rosberg-retires-f1-live/|title=Nico Rosberg announces shock F1 retirement days after world title win: 'I am on the peak, so this feels right'|last1=Curtis|first1=Ben|date=2 December 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=7 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023042546/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/12/02/nico-rosberg-retires-f1-live/|archive-date=23 October 2017|last2=Brown|first2=Oliver}} Williams driver Valtteri Bottas replaced Rosberg at Mercedes.

In retirement, Rosberg's love of engineering and innovation saw him become an eco-entrepreneur, by investing in positive change to the environment and society.{{Cite web|last=Jessner|first=Werner|date=28 April 2021|title=From Formula One to Fridays for Future|url=https://www.redbull.com/in-en/theredbulletin/nico-rosberg-interview-sustainability|url-status=live|access-date=16 August 2021|website=The Red Bulletin|via=RedBull.com|archive-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816200229/https://www.redbull.com/in-en/theredbulletin/nico-rosberg-interview-sustainability}} He used his celebrity status to advance the industry, beginning with a fact-finding visit to Silicon Valley,{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/13/motorsport/nico-rosberg-electric-green-spt-intl/index.html|title=Nico Rosberg: How gas-guzzling F1 champion turned into an eco warrior|last=Majendie|first=Matt|date=13 February 2019|access-date=7 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213153657/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/13/motorsport/nico-rosberg-electric-green-spt-intl/index.html|archive-date=13 February 2019|publisher=CNN}} where he tested and observed the construction of electric and self-driving vehicles.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cityam.com/nico-rosberg-his-new-life-tech-investor-struggle-invest/|title=Nico Rosberg on his new life as a tech investor: "I struggle to invest in some boring s**t. For me it's important that they're cool."|last=Dalleres|first=Frank|date=11 October 2018|work=City A.M.|access-date=7 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007174343/https://www.cityam.com/nico-rosberg-his-new-life-tech-investor-struggle-invest/|archive-date=7 October 2019}} In July 2017, he visited the headquarters of the all-electric Formula E racing series,{{Cite web|url=https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/why-nico-rosberg-would-be-ideal-fe-team-boss/|title=Smith: Why Nico Rosberg Would Be Ideal Formula E Team Boss|last=Smith|first=Sam|date=11 February 2018|publisher=e-racing365|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007114311/https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/why-nico-rosberg-would-be-ideal-fe-team-boss/|archive-date=7 October 2019|access-date=7 October 2019}} and became fascinated in the e-mobility movement.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/nico-rosberg-invests-formula-e|title=Nico Rosberg invests in Formula E|last=Holmes|first=Elena|date=10 April 2018|website=SportsPro|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419035909/http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/nico-rosberg-invests-formula-e|archive-date=19 April 2018|access-date=7 October 2019}} Rosberg became a long-term investor and shareholder in Formula E in early 2018. Focusing primarily on Europe,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-02/the-f1-champion-who-became-an-elon-musk-worshipping-tech-investor|title=The F1 Champion Who Became an Elon Musk-Worshipping Tech Investor|last=Woolley|first=Suzanne|date=2 July 2018|work=Bloomberg News|access-date=7 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029062950/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-02/the-f1-champion-who-became-an-elon-musk-worshipping-tech-investor|archive-date=29 October 2018}} Rosberg has invested in multiple start-up technology and e-mobility companies.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexwood/2019/06/07/life-in-the-fast-lane-with-nico-rosberg|title=Life in the Fast Lane With Nico Rosberg|last1=Wood|first1=Alex|date=7 June 2019|work=Forbes|access-date=4 September 2019|url-status=live|last2=Dawkins|first2=David|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906070918/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexwood/2019/06/07/life-in-the-fast-lane-with-nico-rosberg/|archive-date=6 September 2019}} He had the idea to launch the annual Greentech Festival trade fair, which he did with the entrepreneurs Sven Krüger and Marco Voigt in February 2019 to showcase sustainable technologies from around the world in Berlin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/formula-one-champion-nico-rosberg-launches-new-sustainable-tech-festival|title=Formula One champion Nico Rosberg launches new sustainable tech festival|last=Ellis|first=Catherine|date=5 February 2019|publisher=TechRadar|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206205948/https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/formula-one-champion-nico-rosberg-launches-new-sustainable-tech-festival|archive-date=6 February 2019|access-date=7 October 2019}} He replaced Frank Thelen as an investor on the German television programme Die Höhle der Löwen (The Lions' Cave) in late 2019.{{cite web|last=Lückerath|first=Thomas|title=Nico Rosberg ist der Neue bei "Die Höhle der Löwen"|trans-title=Nico Rosberg is the new one at 'The Lion's Den'|url=https://www.dwdl.de/nachrichten/75456/nico_rosberg_ist_der_neue_bei_die_hoehle_der_loewen/|publisher=DWDL.de|language=de|date=18 December 2019|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103205858/https://www.dwdl.de/nachrichten/75456/nico_rosberg_ist_der_neue_bei_die_hoehle_der_loewen/|archive-date=3 January 2020|url-status=live}} In 2022, Rosberg launched the non-profit organisation Rosberg Philanthropies that focuses on environmental protection and supporting children.{{Cite news |last=Urban |first=Elisabeth |date=17 February 2023 |title=DHDL: Investor Nico Rosberg macht erst mal Pause |trans-title=DHDL: Investor Nico Rosberg is taking a break for now |url=https://t3n.de/news/dhdl-investor-nico-rosberg-pause-1535196/ |access-date=24 February 2024 |work=t3n Magazin |language=de |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322090742/https://t3n.de/news/dhdl-investor-nico-rosberg-pause-1535196/ |url-status=live }}

In October 2017, Rosberg joined Team Rosberg as an adviser for its ADAC GT Masters sports car championship team in 2018.{{cite web|last1=Anderson|first1=Ben|last2=Newbold|first2=James|title=F1 champion Nico Rosberg to take role with dad Keke's GT team|url=https://www.autosport.com/gt/news/132676/rosberg-to-take-role-with-dad-keke-gt-team|work=Autosport|date=27 October 2017|access-date=10 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206051355/https://www.autosport.com/gt/news/132676/rosberg-to-take-role-with-dad-keke-gt-team|archive-date=6 December 2017|url-status=live}} He also joined the management team of the racing driver Robert Kubica that September. Rosberg assisted in Kubica's desire to return to Formula One after a severe 2011 rally accident left the latter with partial movement in his right arm.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41278988|title=Robert Kubica: World champion Nico Rosberg working to help Pole return to F1|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=15 September 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915094120/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41278988|archive-date=15 September 2017|access-date=7 October 2019}} He reduced his involvement with Kubica in April 2018 to focus on his business career.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rosberg-steps-back-from-kubica-management-role-1028002/3059859/|title=Rosberg steps back from Kubica management role|last1=Noble|first1=Jonathan|last2=Sharaf|first2=Dominik|date=20 April 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007101224/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rosberg-steps-back-from-kubica-management-role-1028002/3059859/|archive-date=7 October 2019|access-date=7 October 2019}} Since the 2018 season, Rosberg has analysed select Formula One races for Sky Sports F1 in the United Kingdom, RTL in Germany, and Sky Italia in Italy.{{Cite news|url=https://www.swp.de/sport/motorsport/rosberg_-_muss-sich-keiner-warm-anziehen_-25028786.html|title=Rosberg: "Muss sich keiner warm anziehen"|last=Marx|first=Jens|date=21 March 2018|work=Südwest Presse|access-date=7 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007081216/https://www.swp.de/sport/motorsport/rosberg_-_muss-sich-keiner-warm-anziehen_-25028786.html|archive-date=7 October 2019|agency=Deutsche Presse-Agentur|language=de|trans-title=Rosberg: "No one has to dress warmly"}} He impressed viewers for conveying digestible information to them. That same year, Rosberg co-founded the Rosberg Young Drivers Academy with karting mentor Dino Chiesa to scout and support young go-kart drivers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/135553/rosberg-creates-new-young-driver-academy|title=2016 Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg creates driver academy|last=Freeman|first=Glenn|date=23 April 2018|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424112040/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/135553/rosberg-creates-new-young-driver-academy|archive-date=24 April 2018|access-date=7 October 2019}} In April 2019, Rosberg declined an offer from the Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass to drive an RS5 DTM as a wild-card entrant in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) because he did not feel fit enough to return to racing.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/rosberg-turned-down-wildcard-audi/4366610/|title=Rosberg turned down DTM wildcard chance|last1=Thukral|first1=Rachit|last2=Haidinger|first2=Sven|date=8 April 2019|publisher=motorsport.com|url-status=live|access-date=5 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413132707/https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/rosberg-turned-down-wildcard-audi/4366610/|archive-date=13 April 2019}}

{{anchor|ExtremeE}}

In late 2020, he established Rosberg X Racing (RXR) formed on parts of the structure of his father's DTM team to compete in the all-electric SUV off-road racing series Extreme E from the 2021 season on.{{cite web|last=Kimberley|first=Sara|title=F1's Nico Rosberg launches Extreme E team|url=https://www.racetechmag.com/2020/10/f1s-nico-rosberg-launches-extreme-e-team/|work=Race Tech Magazine|date=22 October 2020|access-date=28 October 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031090115/https://www.racetechmag.com/2020/10/f1s-nico-rosberg-launches-extreme-e-team/|url-status=live}} He entered the series because of its promised racing action and wanted to help combat some of climate change's effects collectively.{{cite web|last=Allen|first=James|title=Extreme E unites Lewis Hamilton and I for good cause, says Nico Rosberg|url=https://www.autosport.com/fwd/news/153139/rosberg-extreme-e-unites-hamilton-and-i-for-good-cause|work=Autosport|date=28 October 2020|access-date=28 October 2020|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030012753/https://www.autosport.com/fwd/news/153139/rosberg-extreme-e-unites-hamilton-and-i-for-good-cause|url-status=live}} RXR won the inaugural Extreme E constructors' title with drivers Johan Kristoffersson and Molly Taylor as drivers' champions.{{cite web | title=Rosberg X Racing team win first Extreme E title | website=electrive.com | date=20 December 2021 | url=https://www.electrive.com/2021/12/20/rosberg-x-racing-team-win-first-extreme-e-title/ | access-date=3 February 2022 | archive-date=3 February 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203022707/https://www.electrive.com/2021/12/20/rosberg-x-racing-team-win-first-extreme-e-title/ | url-status=live }} The team narrowly missed out on retaining the constructors' title in 2022 by two points to Lewis Hamilton's Team X44.{{Cite web |last=Elson |first=James |date=27 November 2022 |title=Hamilton's X44 snatches Extreme E title from Rosberg: 'It was in our hands' |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/rally/extreme-e/hamiltons-x44-snatches-extreme-e-title-from-rosberg-it-was-in-our-hands/ |access-date=16 September 2023 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB |archive-date=29 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129112002/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/rally/extreme-e/hamiltons-x44-snatches-extreme-e-title-from-rosberg-it-was-in-our-hands |url-status=live }} In December 2024, Rosberg announced that RXR would cease operations in Extreme E as the racing series will be replaced as Extreme H for 2025.{{Cite magazine |last=Mee |first=Lydia |date=28 December 2024 |title=Nico Rosberg Follows in Lewis Hamilton's Footsteps with Extreme E Exit |url=https://www.si.com/onsi/racing/news/nico-rosberg-follows-in-lewis-hamilton-s-footsteps-with-extreme-e-exit-01jg6xpc1t3f |access-date=29 December 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-US}}

Rosberg has a YouTube vlogging channel, and hosts the podcast "Beyond Victory" in which he discusses human performance and development with his guests.{{cite news |date=2 October 2019 |title=Ex-F1 world champion Nico Rosberg is now the brand ambassador of Kempinski Hotels |url=https://www.esquireme.com/content/39590-ex-f1-world-champion-nico-rosberg-is-now-the-brand-ambassador-of-kempinski-hotels |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009125554/https://www.esquireme.com/content/39590-ex-f1-world-champion-nico-rosberg-is-now-the-brand-ambassador-of-kempinski-hotels |archive-date=9 October 2019 |access-date=9 October 2019 |work=Esquire Middle East}}

Journalists describe Rosberg as articulate, one who speaks with "Germanic precision" and has "more than a hint of canny PR-iness, distributing praise with diligent equality and seasoning his narrative with caveats when required." He has avoided appearing to be courageous to impress others,{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/11/25/lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-kindred-spirits-have-become-ultimate/|title=Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg – once kindred spirits who have become the ultimate odd couple|last=Brown|first=Oliver|date=25 November 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=18 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218165355/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/11/25/lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-kindred-spirits-have-become-ultimate/|archive-date=18 December 2019}} and some saw him as detrimental to Formula One's goal to attract new fans due to a perceived lack of personality and his commitment to fitness.{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/94848d26b6954f9d9858882973568106|title=Nico and Keke Rosberg cut different paths on the track|last=Vertruno|first=Jim|date=29 October 2016|access-date=18 December 2019|url-status=live|work=Associated Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218152059/https://apnews.com/94848d26b6954f9d9858882973568106|archive-date=18 December 2019}} Nicknamed "Britney" after the singer Britney Spears by his colleagues at Williams for sporting blonde hair, Rosberg is shy in private, reserved, quiet, and has a dry and sarcastic wit, which has occasionally "played out with a deft finesse." He has been called charming, shrewd, intelligent, focused, and photogenic.{{cite news|url=http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-day-in-the-life-of-nico-rosberg-1404424866|title=A Day in the Life of Nico Rosberg|last=Allen|first=James|date=3 July 2014|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=4 September 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309193254/http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-day-in-the-life-of-nico-rosberg-1404424866|archive-date=9 March 2016|author-link=James Allen (journalist)}} Rosberg prefers to be challenged for structuring, and is an avid reader of books that further his knowledge. His wealthy and cosmopolitan Monegasque upbringing, coupled with his polyglotism led him to describe himself as an "International German."

File:Nico Rosberg – 2014 British Grand Prix – Friday Free Practice.jpg]]

Throughout his career, Rosberg had a strong work ethic, talking to engineers and mechanics, and approached each circuit with the care of a cartographer. Formula One pundits regarded Rosberg as "among the most promising emergent stars of what some already call 'the Lewis generation'." The media and fans compared him initially to the 1982 world champion, his father Keke. That comparison lessened as his career progressed; he refused to discuss the comparison with the press and the difficulty in attempting to achieve as much success as his father was rarely mentioned.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/28/sports/autoracing/as-nico-rosberg-surges-in-formula-one-questions-abound-abu-dhabi-grand-prix.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fautoracing&action=click&contentCollection=autoracing®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront|title=As Rosberg Surges in Formula One, Questions Abound|last=Spurgeon|first=Brad|date=28 November 2015|work=The New York Times|access-date=5 October 2019|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102942/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/28/sports/autoracing/as-nico-rosberg-surges-in-formula-one-questions-abound-abu-dhabi-grand-prix.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fautoracing&action=click&contentCollection=autoracing®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront|url-status=live}} When Rosberg was Michael Schumacher's teammate at Mercedes, he was highly cautious about what he said to the off-track press, fearing that they could misinterpret his words.{{Cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82358|title=Rosberg careful of Schumacher remarks|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=25 March 2010|website=Autosport|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329001357/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82358|archive-date=29 March 2010|access-date=5 October 2019}}

Rosberg had a scientific and technical driving style;{{cite journal|last=Anderson|first=Ben|title=The Method Behind The Mastery – The Scientist – Nico Rosberg|url=http://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/autosport/2016/11/AS2016.11.10.pdf|journal=Autosport|pages=14–15|date=10 November 2016|access-date=5 May 2020|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227032354/https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/autosport/2016/11/AS2016.11.10.pdf|url-status=live}} he sought to fine-tune his car in specific detail and adapted his driving ability around the changes, especially over a single lap.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490|title=Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: A subtle difference in driving style as well as set-up|last=Hughes|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Hughes (motorsport)|date=26 November 2014|publisher=Sky Sports|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318042943/http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/9559490|archive-date=18 March 2015|access-date=8 October 2019}} He shared his father's preference of oversteer over understeer and lacked a flamboyant driving technique.{{Cite news|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A279105878/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=ec8c6de8|title=Rosberg in fast lane, steering towards fame and riches|last=McKay|first=Peter|date=29 March 2009|work=The Sunday Age|access-date=4 October 2019|page=6|via=Gale OneFile: News|url-access=subscription|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102943/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA279105878&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=ec8c6de8|url-status=live}} Rosberg's qualifying preparations would be compromised in the event that he leaned towards a race setup; he analysed the situation and attempted to optimise his driving style to win races.{{Cite journal|last=Roberts|first=James|date=October 2015|title=Faster than a speeding Lewis (No, really...)|url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=109948977&site=ehost-live|journal=F1 Racing|edition=United Kingdom|issue=236|pages=41–44|issn=1361-4487|oclc=476470071|url-access=subscription|access-date=7 October 2019|via=ESBCO Academic Search|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226102942/https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f6h&AN=109948977&site=ehost-live|url-status=live}} He occasionally used more of the circuit, using his car's ride over a bumpy track to ask the car to take as much as possible. Rosberg was sometimes unable to cope with the stress of extra complications, causing him to overdrive in the process, but was adept at managing technical issues on his car. Will Buxton, a motorsport commentator and pundit, described him as "quick from the outset" and a driver who "was so impressive; seemingly effortlessly rapid and blessed with a precision that was metronomic."

For the 2014 season, the FIA created a new sporting regulation to allow a driver to select a unique car number for use throughout their Formula One career.{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/motor-racing-numbers-up-for-2014-formula-1-drivers|title=Motor racing: Numbers up for 2014 Formula 1 drivers|date=11 January 2014|work=The Straits Times|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008183643/https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/motor-racing-numbers-up-for-2014-formula-1-drivers|archive-date=8 October 2019|agency=Agence France-Presse}} Rosberg selected number six because it was his wife and father's lucky number.{{cite web|url=http://www.motorsport-total.com/f1/news/2014/03/rosberg-wenn-der-helm-zum-kunstwerk-wird-14032016.html|title=Rosberg: Wenn der Helm zum Kunstwerk wird|last1=Reyer|first1=Maria|date=20 March 2014|publisher=motorsport-total.com|language=de|trans-title=Rosberg: When the helmet becomes a work of art|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031231635/http://www.motorsport-total.com/f1/news/2014/03/rosberg-wenn-der-helm-zum-kunstwerk-wird-14032016.html|archive-date=31 October 2015|access-date=31 October 2015}} He also changed the colour of his helmet after eight years from yellow to dark grey. The overall design included chrome, some Buddhist influence, clean lines, and personal symbols; it was designed by Jens Munser.{{efn|Association football's world governing body FIFA asked Rosberg's manager Georg Nolte to ask his client to change the design of his helmet to celebrate Germany winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup due to a copyright violation.{{cite news|last=Tong|first=Andrew|title=German Grand Prix 2014: Nico Rosberg's tribute helmet to Germany's World Cup win gets red card|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/german-grand-prix-2014-nico-rosbergs-tribute-helmet-to-germanys-world-cup-win-gets-red-card-9613585.html|work=The Independent|date=17 July 2014|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718083555/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/german-grand-prix-2014-nico-rosbergs-tribute-helmet-to-germanys-world-cup-win-gets-red-card-9613585.html|archive-date=18 July 2014|url-status=live}}}}{{cite web|url=http://www.motorsport-magazin.com/formel1/news-187515-mercedes-rosberg-verlobte-loest-helm-problem/|title=Mercedes: Rosberg-Verlobte löst Helm-Problem – Back in black|last1=Seiwert|first1=Robert|date=31 January 2014|website=Motorsport Magazin|language=de|trans-title=Mercedes: Rosberg fiancee solves helmet problem – Back in black|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031231742/http://www.motorsport-magazin.com/formel1/news-187515-mercedes-rosberg-verlobte-loest-helm-problem/|archive-date=31 October 2015|access-date=31 October 2015}}

Creative Artists Agency (CAA), through its sports division CAA Sports, represents Rosberg's commercial ventures.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportindustry.biz/news/nico-rosberg-appoints-caa-sports|title=Nico Rosberg appoints CAA Sports|date=11 May 2017|publisher=Sport Industry Group|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008192057/https://www.sportindustry.biz/news/nico-rosberg-appoints-caa-sports|archive-date=8 October 2019|access-date=8 October 2019}} From 2010 to 2015, he was associated with the jewellery and watch brand Thomas Sabo, and the luxury travel accessory maker Tumi.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37715040|title=Nico Rosberg: F1 champion ready to rev up sponsor deals|last=Wilson|first=Bill|date=27 November 2016|access-date=8 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129094216/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37715040|archive-date=29 November 2016|work=BBC News}} Rosberg signed numerous endorsement contracts; some of the companies with which he has done business are the watchmakers Rolex, International Watch Company and Oris,{{cite web|last=Tillard|first=Patrick|title=Nico Rosberg is back in business|url=https://www.thegentlemansjournal.com/article/nico-rosberg-back-business/|work=Gentlemen's Journal|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420143729/http://www.thegentlemansjournal.com/article/nico-rosberg-back-business/|archive-date=20 April 2020}}{{cite news|title=Oris cements its parnership with Williams F1 team|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2013/03/27/oris-cements-its-parnership-with-williams-f1-team|work=The Star|date=27 March 2013|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420134946/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2013/03/27/oris-cements-its-parnership-with-williams-f1-team|archive-date=20 April 2020|url-status=live}} the tyre maker Continental Tire,{{cite web|last=Goodchild|first=Stephen|title=Nico Rosberg: F1 champ, sustainability entrepreneur, Continental brand manager|url=https://www.tyrepress.com/2021/05/nico-rosberg-f1-champ-sustainability-entrepreneur-continental-brand-manager/|work=Tyre Press|date=21 May 2021|access-date=11 June 2021|archive-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611042401/https://www.tyrepress.com/2021/05/nico-rosberg-f1-champ-sustainability-entrepreneur-continental-brand-manager/|url-status=live}} the luxury fashion house Hugo Boss, the toy car company Hot Wheels, the railway company Deutsche Bahn, the media broadcasters Sky Sports and RTL,{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/nico-rosberg-partners-with-rolex|title=Nico Rosberg keeps time with Rolex|last=Holmes|first=Elena|date=26 March 2018|website=SportsPro|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604070126/http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/nico-rosberg-partners-with-rolex|archive-date=4 June 2018|access-date=8 October 2019}} energy company EnBW and logistics provider Jungheinrich.{{cite news|last=Partridge|first=Joanna|title='I want to do something significant': ex-F1 champion Nico Rosberg on his sustainable entrepreneurship|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jun/13/i-want-to-do-something-significant-ex-f1-champion-nico-rosberg-on-his-sustainable-entrepreneurship|work=The Observer|date=13 June 2023|access-date=8 July 2023|archive-date=9 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709033004/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jun/13/i-want-to-do-something-significant-ex-f1-champion-nico-rosberg-on-his-sustainable-entrepreneurship|url-status=live}} As a result of Rosberg's endorsement money and Mercedes salary, he was listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes in 2016.

Rosberg is an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz, Laureus,{{cite press release|last=Merzbach|first=Claudia|title=Nico Rosberg's #DriveForGood Campaign raises €160,000 for Laureus|url=https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/Nico-Rosbergs-DriveForGood-Campaign-raises-160000-for-Laureus.xhtml?oid=9920378|url-status=live|publisher=Daimler|date=2 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009073949/https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/Nico-Rosbergs-DriveForGood-Campaign-raises-160000-for-Laureus.xhtml?oid=9920378|archive-date=9 October 2019|access-date=9 October 2019}} the investment bank UBS, the Tribute to Bambi Foundation, and the electric car manufacturer Schaeffler Group. He is part of the alcohol brewing company Heineken's anti-drink-drive campaign,{{cite web|title=Nico Rosberg: Growing evidence of positive impact of anti-drink driving messages|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2018-06-08/nico-rosberg-growing-evidence-of-positive-impact-of-anti-drink-driving-messages/|publisher=ITV News|date=8 June 2018|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612160011/https://www.itv.com/news/2018-06-08/nico-rosberg-growing-evidence-of-positive-impact-of-anti-drink-driving-messages/|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}} including appearing with his father in an advertisement for zero-alcohol beer in 2020.{{cite web |last=Jardine |first=Alexandra |url=https://adage.com/creativity/work/heineken-father-son/2240906 |title=Father and Son Formula 1 Champs Team Up to Promote Heineken 0.0 (and Send a Safety Message) |website=Ad Age |date=3 March 2020 |access-date=25 December 2020 |archive-date=27 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227042851/https://adage.com/creativity/work/heineken-father-son/2240906 |url-status=live }} Rosberg accumulated €160,900 for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation as part of a campaign called #DriveForGood in which €100 was donated for every kilometre he led in a Formula One race from the {{F1GP||2015 Chinese}} to the season-ending 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In 2012, Rosberg teamed with the children's aid organisation Ein Herz für Kinder (German: A Heart for Children) and has raised capital for the charity through various events.{{cite news|title=Rosberg beneficomostra la piccola Alaïa|trans-title=Rosberg benefits little Alaïa|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Formula-1/05-12-2015/rosberg-benefico-figlia-foto-1301194165344.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|agency=Gasport|language=it|date=5 December 2015|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009131538/https://www.gazzetta.it/Formula-1/05-12-2015/rosberg-benefico-figlia-foto-1301194165344.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|archive-date=9 October 2019|url-status=live}} Rosberg has worked for the Viva con Agua de Sankt Pauli charity,{{cite news|last=Myers|first=Rebecca|title=I'm in pole position to change the world|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/im-in-pole-position-to-change-the-world-vtjld6hb9|work=The Sunday Times|date=20 August 2017|access-date=9 October 2019|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009200322/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/im-in-pole-position-to-change-the-world-vtjld6hb9|archive-date=9 October 2019}} which supplies water and basic sanitation to individuals in developing countries.{{cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|title=Rosberg helps charity with signed prints of iconic F1 photo|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/rosberg-helps-charity-with-signed-prints-of-iconic-f1-photo-880129/3017467/|publisher=motorsport.com|date=6 March 2017|access-date=9 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009194819/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/rosberg-helps-charity-with-signed-prints-of-iconic-f1-photo-880129/3017467/|archive-date=9 October 2019}} In response to the murder of George Floyd, in June 2020, Rosberg donated €10,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund to aid its efforts in educating the public on racism and ending segregation.{{cite news|title=Nico Rosberg cobra posição contra racismo e doa R$57 mil para fundo educacional|trans-title=Nico Rosberg takes a stand against racism and donates R $57,000 to an educational fund|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/motor/formula-1/noticia/nico-rosberg-cobra-posicao-contra-racismo-e-doa-r-57-mil-para-fundo-educacional.ghtml|publisher=Globo Esporte|language=pt|date=4 June 2020|access-date=5 June 2020|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605070750/https://globoesporte.globo.com/motor/formula-1/noticia/nico-rosberg-cobra-posicao-contra-racismo-e-doa-r-57-mil-para-fundo-educacional.ghtml|url-status=live}} He invested money into projects involving reforestation in Germany and the promotion of South American sustainable agro-forestry.

On 5 June 2011 Rosberg received the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy, which honours a recipient "for their dedication to motor racing, spirit of competition and achievements".{{Cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/mercedes/motorsport/story/42174.html|title=Nico Rosberg wins 2011 Bandini Trophy|date=2 March 2011|publisher=ESPN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006153210/http://en.espn.co.uk/mercedes/motorsport/story/42174.html|archive-date=6 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}}
{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/92036/rosberg-receives-bandini-trophy|title=Grapevine: Rosberg receives Bandini Trophy|date=6 June 2011|website=Autosport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812190617/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/92036/rosberg-receives-bandini-trophy|archive-date=12 August 2019|access-date=12 August 2019}} At the 2014 Brazilian Grand Prix, he won the inaugural FIA Pole Trophy for winning more pole positions than any other driver during the 2014 season with 11. Rosberg won the DHL Fastest Lap Award because he recorded seven fastest laps, more than any other driver during the 2016 season.{{cite web|title=Nico Rosberg collects the 2016 DHL Fastest Lap Award|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/10670172/nico-rosberg-collects-the-2016-dhl-fastest-lap-award|publisher=Sky Sports|date=28 November 2016|access-date=10 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129105820/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12430/10670172/nico-rosberg-collects-the-2016-dhl-fastest-lap-award|archive-date=29 November 2016|url-status=live}}

Rosberg won the Bambi Best Sportsman Award in 2014,{{cite web|title=Nico Rosberg bringt die BAMBI-Trophäen nach Berlin|trans-title=Nico Rosberg brings the BAMBI trophies to Berlin|url=https://www.bambi.de/nico-rosberg-bringt-die-bambi-trophaeen-nach-berlin/226325|publisher=Bambi Awards|language=de|date=16 November 2018|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009130435/https://www.bambi.de/nico-rosberg-bringt-die-bambi-trophaeen-nach-berlin/226325|archive-date=9 October 2019|url-status=live}} the Sport Bild Special Award 2014,{{Cite web|date=25 August 2014|title=Sie prägten die Sportwelt: Die Gewinner der SPORT BILD-Awards 2014 stehen fest|url=https://www.axelspringer.com/de/presseinformationen/sie-praegten-die-sportwelt-die-gewinner-der-sport-bild-awards-2014-stehen-fest|access-date=5 January 2021|website=Axel Springer SE|language=de-DE|archive-date=7 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107050839/https://www.axelspringer.com/de/presseinformationen/sie-praegten-die-sportwelt-die-gewinner-der-sport-bild-awards-2014-stehen-fest|url-status=live}} the 2016 BRDC Johnny Wakefield Trophy for "setting the fastest race lap of the season on the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit",{{cite journal|title=A Grand Day Out|url=https://issuu.com/britishracingdriversclub/docs/bulletin_vol37_4_winter2016_singles|journal=BRDC Bulletin|date=Winter 2016|volume=37|number=4|page=33|access-date=2 January 2021|via=Issuu|archive-date=20 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420113838/https://issuu.com/britishracingdriversclub/docs/bulletin_vol37_4_winter2016_singles|url-status=live}} the Autosport International Racing Driver Award in the same year,{{cite web|last=Adam|first=Mitchell|title=Autosport Awards 2016: Nico Rosberg wins International Racing Driver|url=https://www.autosport.com/awards/news/127396/international-racing-driver-nico-rosberg|work=Autosport|date=4 December 2016|access-date=8 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008054532/https://www.autosport.com/awards/news/127396/international-racing-driver-nico-rosberg|archive-date=8 October 2019}} the 2016 ADAC Motorsportsman of the Year Award,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=17 December 2016|title=Rosberg als ADAC-Motorsportler des Jahres geehrt|url=https://www.focus.de/sport/formel1/formel-1-rosberg-als-adac-motorsportler-des-jahres-geehrt_id_6371120.html|url-status=live|access-date=25 April 2021|website=FOCUS Online|language=de|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425194929/https://www.focus.de/sport/formel1/formel-1-rosberg-als-adac-motorsportler-des-jahres-geehrt_id_6371120.html}} the 2017 Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year,{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/motorsport/593202/rosberg-wins-breakthrough-of-the-year-laureus-award/|title=Rosberg wins 'Breakthrough of the Year' Laureus award|date=15 February 2017|publisher=Fox Sports Asia|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007085419/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/motorsport/593202/rosberg-wins-breakthrough-of-the-year-laureus-award/|archive-date=7 October 2019|access-date=7 October 2019}} the DMSB Cup from the German Motor Sport Federation (German: Deutscher Motor Sport Bund; DMSB) that same year,{{cite web|last=La Selle|first=Rob|title=DMSB: Auszeichnung für Formel-1-Champion Nico Rosberg|url=http://www.speedweek.com/formel1/news/111050/DMSB-Auszeichnung-fuer-Formel-1-Champion-Nico-Rosberg.html|publisher=Speedweek|language=de|date=9 June 2017|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609102922/http://www.speedweek.com/formel1/news/111050/DMSB-Auszeichnung-fuer-Formel-1-Champion-Nico-Rosberg.html|archive-date=9 June 2017|url-status=live}} and the 2018 Special Prize Entrepreneur of the Year at the GreenTec Awards. Rosberg was inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame in December 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rtl.de/cms/formel-1-fia-nimmt-michael-schumacher-nico-rosberg-und-co-in-hall-of-fame-auf-4135401.html|title=Formel 1: FIA nimmt Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg und Co. in "Hall of Fame" auf|date=5 December 2017|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008170613/https://www.rtl.de/cms/formel-1-fia-nimmt-michael-schumacher-nico-rosberg-und-co-in-hall-of-fame-auf-4135401.html|archive-date=8 October 2019|publisher=RTL|language=de|trans-title=Formula 1: FIA picks up Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and Co. in "Hall of Fame"}}

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap; small number denotes the finishing position)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap; small number denotes the finishing position)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap; small number denotes the finishing position)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap; small number denotes the finishing position)

{{smallsup|†}} Driver failed to finish the race but was classified since he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.

{{smallsup|‡}} Half points awarded because less than 75% of race distance was completed.

{{notes}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons}}

• {{Official website|www.nicorosberg.com}}
• {{DriverDB driver|nico-rosberg}}
• {{IMDb name|2162538}}
• {{Racing-Reference driver|Nico_Rosberg}}
• {{T3T|Nico_Rosberg}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-sports}}

{{succession box| before = Timo Glock| title = Formula BMW ADAC
Champion| years= 2002 | after=Maximilian Götz}}

{{succession box | before = Vitantonio Liuzzi
(F3000)| title = GP2 Series
Drivers' Champion | years=2005 | after=Lewis Hamilton}}

{{Succession box|before=Lewis Hamilton|title=Formula One World Champion|years={{F1|2016}}|after=Lewis Hamilton}}

{{s-ach|awa}}

{{Succession box|before=Lewis Hamilton|title=Lorenzo Bandini Trophy|years=2011|after=Bruno Senna}}

{{Succession box|before=Inaugural|title=FIA Pole Trophy|years=2014|after=Lewis Hamilton}}

{{Succession box|before=Lewis Hamilton|title=DHL Fastest Lap Award|years={{F1|2016}}|after=Lewis Hamilton}}

{{Succession box|before=Lewis Hamilton|title=Autosport
International Racing Driver Award|after=Lewis Hamilton|years=2016}}

{{Succession box|before=Jordan Spieth|title=Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year|after=Sergio García|years=2017}}

{{s-ach|rec}}

{{succession box|title=Youngest driver to set
fastest lap in Formula One| before = Fernando Alonso
21 years, 321 days
(2003 Canadian GP) | after = Max Verstappen
19 years, 44 days
(2016 Brazilian GP) | years = 20 years, 258 days
(2006 Bahrain Grand Prix)}}

{{s-end}}

{{Formula One World Drivers' Champions}}

{{FIA Formula 2 Drivers' Champions}}

{{Mercedes Grand Prix}}

{{Autosport International Racing Driver Award}}

{{Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year}}

{{Formula One drivers from Germany}}

{{ART Grand Prix}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rosberg, Nico}}

Category:1985 births

Category:Living people

Category:Sportspeople from Wiesbaden

Category:Racing drivers from Darmstadt (region)

Category:German racing drivers

Category:Finnish racing drivers

Category:German people of Finnish descent

Category:Finnish people of German descent

Category:Formula 3 Euro Series drivers

Category:Formula BMW ADAC drivers

Category:German Formula One drivers

Category:Formula One race winners

Category:Formula One World Drivers' Champions

Category:GP2 Series Champions

Category:GP2 Series drivers

Category:Karting World Championship drivers

Category:Mercedes-Benz Formula One drivers

Category:Williams Formula One drivers

Category:People named in the Panama Papers

Category:Team Rosberg drivers

Category:ART Grand Prix drivers

Category:Motorsport team owners

Category:Carlin racing drivers

Category:German expatriate sportspeople in Monaco

Category:Finnish expatriates in Monaco