Nico Rosberg

Nico Rosberg is one of the few drivers in F1 history to retire as reigning champion. The German-Finn won the world title in 2016 with Mercedes, snatching it from Hamilton on the last race in Abu Dhabi, and announced his retirement just five days later. His rivalry with Hamilton at Mercedes (2013-2016) was the most intense teammate battle of the hybrid era. In his title season, Rosberg was especially consistent in the first part of the year, winning the first four races. Son of 1982 world champion Keke Rosberg.