History of Nico Rosberg in Timeline

Nico Rosberg is a German-Finnish former Formula One driver who competed under the German flag. He drove in F1 from 2006 to 2016, securing the World Drivers' Championship in 2016 with Mercedes. Over his 11 seasons, Rosberg achieved 23 Grand Prix victories. After winning the championship, he retired from the sport, later becoming an entrepreneur.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1982: Father's Formula One World Championship

In 1982, Nico Rosberg's father, Keke Rosberg, won the Formula One World Championship.

1982: Comparison to Keke Rosberg lessened

Initially, the media and fans compared Nico Rosberg to his father, Keke, who was the 1982 world champion, but that comparison lessened as Nico's career progressed.

June 1985: Nico Rosberg's Birth

In June 1985, Nico Rosberg was born. He is a German and Finnish former racing driver and entrepreneur.

Others born on this day/year

June 1985: Birth of Nico Rosberg

On 27 June 1985, Nico Rosberg was born in Wiesbaden, West Germany, to Gesine Gleitsmann-Dengel and Keke Rosberg.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Prost retirement

In December 2016, Nico Rosberg became the first reigning champion to retire from Formula One since Alain Prost in 1993.

1995: Inspiration from DTM

In 1995, Nico Rosberg decided to pursue a career in Formula One after watching his father compete in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM).

1996: Damon Hill replicated his father Graham Hill

In 1996 Damon Hill replicated his father Graham Hill, 20 years before Nico Rosberg.

1996: Côte d'Azur Mini-Kart Regional Championship Win

In 1996, Nico Rosberg won the Côte d'Azur Mini-Kart Regional Championship.

1997: Karting Championship Wins

In 1997, Nico Rosberg won the Trophee Jérôme Bernard and the Trophee de France.

1998: Move to European Karting Championships

In 1998, Nico Rosberg moved to Italy to compete in European karting championships.

1999: Damon Hill in Formula One

In 1999, Damon Hill was in Formula One, Nico Rosberg was the first son of a former world champion since then.

1999: Runner-up in Italian Junior Karting Championship

In 1999, Nico Rosberg finished as runner-up in the Italian Junior Karting Championship.

1999: Establishment of Separate Karting Team

In late 1999, Nico Rosberg's father asked CRG executive Dino Chiesa to establish a separate karting team for his son and Lewis Hamilton.

2000: Racing for TeamMBM.com

In 2000, Nico Rosberg raced for TeamMBM.com (Mercedes-Benz McLaren), finishing as runner-up in the European KF1 Championship.

2001: Karting Career Conclusion

In 2001, Nico Rosberg concluded his karting career with a third-place finish in the Formula Super A World Championship race in Kerpen.

2001: Progression to Car Racing

In 2001, at the age of 16, Nico Rosberg progressed to car racing, competing in three races for the Formula BMW Junior Cup Iberia.

2002: Graduation from school

In 2002, Nico Rosberg graduated with an average grade of 1.2.

2002: Formula BMW ADAC Championship Win

In 2002, Nico Rosberg won the Formula BMW ADAC Championship, securing nine victories and earning a test drive in a Williams FW24.

November 2003: Formula 3000 Test and Macau Grand Prix Entry

In November 2003, Nico Rosberg tested a Formula 3000 car and entered the Macau Grand Prix with Carlin Motorsport.

2003: Move to Formula 3 Euro Series

In 2003, Nico Rosberg moved to the Formula 3 Euro Series with Team Rosberg.

January 2004: Further Testing with Williams

In January 2004, Nico Rosberg underwent further testing for Williams in a modified FW25A car at the Circuit de Catalunya to evaluate his ability as a test driver.

2004: International Formula 3000 Championship

In 2004, Nico Rosberg aimed to drive for BCN Competicion due to its form in the International Formula 3000 Championship.

2004: Formula 3 Euro Series Season

In 2004, Nico Rosberg continued to compete in the Formula 3 Euro Series with Team Rosberg, winning two races at the Hockenheimring and one at the Nürburgring. He finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

2004: Continued participation in Formula 3 Euro Series

In 2004, Nico Rosberg continued to compete in the Formula 3 Euro Series with Team Rosberg.

April 2005: Signed as Williams Test Driver

In April 2005, Nico Rosberg was signed by Williams as its second test driver.

October 2005: Assured Role with Williams

In October 2005, Nico Rosberg was assured of a role on the Williams team for 2006 after Jenson Button was released from a contract with the team. He signed a five-year contract with Williams the following month.

2005: Inaugural GP2 Series Season

In 2005, Nico Rosberg drove for ART Grand Prix in the inaugural GP2 Series season.

2005: GP2 Series Championship Win

In 2005, Nico Rosberg won the inaugural GP2 Series championship with ART Grand Prix.

2006: Formula One Debut

In 2006, Nico Rosberg began competing in Formula One, racing under the German flag.

2006: Formula One Debut with Williams

In 2006, Nico Rosberg began his Formula One career with Williams.

2006: Joining Williams as a racer

In 2006, Nico Rosberg started racing for Williams.

2006: Performance Improvements

In 2006, Nico Rosberg's performances greatly improved from Williams restructuring itself and employing more experienced and capable personnel.

2007: Partnered with Alexander Wurz

In 2007, Nico Rosberg was partnered by the more experienced Alexander Wurz.

2008: Joined by Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Before the 2013 season, Nico Rosberg was joined at Mercedes by Lewis Hamilton, who replaced the retired Michael Schumacher. Rosberg was granted equal status and assisted in the development of the F1 W04 car.

2008: Podium Finishes with Williams

In 2008, Nico Rosberg achieved two podium finishes while driving for Williams.

2008: First podium finish at Australian Grand Prix and season struggles

In 2008, Nico Rosberg began the season partnered with Kazuki Nakajima and achieved his first podium finish with a third place at the Australian Grand Prix. However, the FW30 car lacked performance, and Williams' development was slow, leading to inconsistent results. Rosberg finished 13th in the WDC with 17 points, improving his best result with a second at the Singapore Grand Prix.

2008: Linked to McLaren and extended contract with Williams

In 2008, Nico Rosberg's enhanced reputation led to interest from McLaren, who offered Frank Williams "majestic proportions" to sign him as a replacement for Fernando Alonso. Williams rejected the offer and extended Rosberg's contract to the end of 2009 based on their Constructors' Championship performance.

2009: Improved season with Williams

In 2009, Nico Rosberg, again partnered with Nakajima, had an improved season due to the Williams FW31's early speed advantage from its double diffuser system. Rosberg led the first 15 laps of the Malaysian Grand Prix. He achieved consistent points finishes, including a season-best fourth at both the German and Hungarian Grand Prix, ultimately finishing seventh in the WDC with 34.5 points.

2009: Departure from Williams

In mid-to-late 2009, Nico Rosberg discussed driving for Mercedes-Benz in 2010 pending its acquisition of Brawn GP and considered offers from McLaren and Williams. He officially confirmed his departure from Williams at the end of the season.

2009: Contract extension with Williams

Nico Rosberg's contract was extended to the end of 2009 on the basis of where Williams finished in the Constructors' Championship. Rosberg expressed his desire to remain with Williams, contingent on receiving a competitive car.

2009: End of Williams Racing Period

Nico Rosberg's time with Williams Racing concluded in 2009.

January 2010: Release from Williams and signing with Mercedes

On January 1, 2010, Nico Rosberg was officially released from his contract with Williams. Shortly after, Mercedes purchased 75 percent of Brawn GP and entered Formula One, employing Rosberg to drive alongside Michael Schumacher. Rosberg was assigned car No. 4.

2010: Rosberg associated with Thomas Sabo

From 2010 to 2015, Nico Rosberg was associated with Thomas Sabo, a jewellery and watch brand, and Tumi, a luxury travel accessory maker.

2010: Move to Mercedes

In 2010, Nico Rosberg joined Mercedes, partnering with Michael Schumacher.

June 2011: Rosberg received the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy

On 5 June 2011, Nico Rosberg received the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy, which honors a recipient for their dedication to motor racing, spirit of competition, and achievements.

November 2011: Contract extension with Mercedes

In November 2011, Nico Rosberg signed a contract extension to remain at Mercedes until after 2013. This decision was influenced by the team's technical restructuring and his belief in their potential for improvement.

2011: Mixed season with Mercedes

In 2011, Nico Rosberg continued with Mercedes alongside Michael Schumacher. He led the Chinese and Belgian Grand Prix but faced challenges with the MGP W02's tire performance. Despite consistent qualifying performances, Rosberg finished no higher than fifth in any race and ended the season seventh in the WDC with 89 points.

2011: Assisted in Kubica's desire to return to Formula One after accident

In 2011, 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.

2012: First Career Win at Chinese Grand Prix

In 2012, Nico Rosberg secured his first career win at the Chinese Grand Prix.

2012: Rosberg teamed with Ein Herz für Kinder

In 2012, Nico Rosberg teamed with the children's aid organization Ein Herz für Kinder, raising capital for the charity through various events.

2012: Linked to Ferrari but stayed with Mercedes

In 2012, Nico Rosberg was linked to Ferrari but remained at Mercedes, signing a contract extension due to the team's technical restructure.

2013: Joined by Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

2013: Teammate with Lewis Hamilton

From 2013 to 2016, Nico Rosberg was teammates with Lewis Hamilton.

2013: Contract extension with Mercedes

July 2014: Marriage to Vivian Sibold

On 11 July 2014, Nico Rosberg married interior designer Vivian Sibold in Monaco.

2014: Rosberg won FIA Pole Trophy

At the 2014 Brazilian Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg won the inaugural FIA Pole Trophy for winning more pole positions than any other driver during the 2014 season, with 11.

2014: Rosberg selected number six

For the 2014 season, Nico Rosberg selected car number six because it was his wife and father's lucky number, and he changed his helmet color from yellow to dark grey, designed by Jens Munser.

2014: Rosberg won Bambi Best Sportsman Award

In 2014, Nico Rosberg won the Bambi Best Sportsman Award and the Sport Bild Special Award 2014.

2014: Championship contention and energy recovery system failure

In 2014, Nico Rosberg, driving for Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton, was a favorite for the WDC. He won the Australian Grand Prix and finished second in the following four races. Despite winning in Monaco, Austria, and Germany, and experiencing contact with Hamilton in Belgium, an energy recovery system failure in Singapore nullified his points lead. He finished second in the WDC with 317 points.

2015: Association with Thomas Sabo ended

From 2010 to 2015, Nico Rosberg was associated with Thomas Sabo, a jewellery and watch brand, and Tumi, a luxury travel accessory maker.

2015: Rosberg accumulated funds for Laureus Sport for Good Foundation

From the 2015 Chinese Grand Prix to the season-ending 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg accumulated €160,900 for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation through the #DriveForGood campaign.

2015: Contract and runner-up finish

In 2015, Nico Rosberg continued driving for Mercedes, focusing on correcting a body deficiency. He won in Spain, Monaco, and Austria, but retirements and errors prevented him from securing the championship. Despite winning the final three races and achieving six consecutive pole positions, he finished as runner-up with 322 points.

2015: Carrying over from 2015 season.

Nico Rosberg 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.

December 2016: Retirement announcement

On December 2, 2016, five days after winning the championship, Nico Rosberg announced his retirement from Formula One at an FIA Prize Giving Ceremony in Vienna. He cited reaching the "pinnacle" of his career and wanting to spend more time with his family as reasons for his decision.

December 2016: Published book 'Finally'

On December 24, 2016, Nico Rosberg published a limited-edition book entitled 'Finally' about the 2016 season, after winning the WDC by five points.

2016: Preparations for the 2016 season

Before the 2016 season, Nico Rosberg made various changes to improve his performance, including altering his racing gloves, removing paint from his helmet, employing a mental trainer, and spending time go-karting. He also studied philosophy and meditated to stay concentrated.

2016: Contract and runner-up finish

Having signed a contract worth a reported €55 million with Mercedes that was due to expire at the conclusion of 2016, Rosberg continued to drive for the team in 2015.

2016: Rosberg won awards

In 2016, Nico Rosberg won the BRDC Johnny Wakefield Trophy, the Autosport International Racing Driver Award, and the ADAC Motorsportsman of the Year Award.

2016: Rosberg won the DHL Fastest Lap Award

In 2016, Nico Rosberg won the DHL Fastest Lap Award because he recorded seven fastest laps, more than any other driver during the 2016 season.

2016: Formula One World Championship Victory

In 2016, Nico Rosberg won the Formula One World Championship, defeating Lewis Hamilton.

2016: Rosberg listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes

In 2016, Nico Rosberg's endorsement money and Mercedes salary led to Forbes listing him as one of the world's highest-paid athletes.

July 2017: Visit to Formula E headquarters

In July 2017, Nico Rosberg visited the headquarters of the all-electric Formula E racing series and became fascinated with the e-mobility movement.

October 2017: Adviser for Team Rosberg

In October 2017, Nico Rosberg joined Team Rosberg as an advisor for its ADAC GT Masters sports car championship team in 2018.

December 2017: Rosberg inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame

In December 2017, Nico Rosberg was inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame.

2017: Induction into FIA Hall of Fame

In 2017, Nico Rosberg was inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame.

2017: Rosberg won several awards

In 2017, Nico Rosberg won the Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year and the DMSB Cup from the German Motor Sport Federation.

April 2018: Reduced involvement with Kubica

In April 2018, Nico Rosberg reduced his involvement with Robert Kubica to focus on his business career.

2018: Rosberg won Special Prize Entrepreneur of the Year at the GreenTec Awards

In 2018, Nico Rosberg won the Special Prize Entrepreneur of the Year at the GreenTec Awards.

2018: Investment in Formula E

In early 2018, Nico Rosberg became a long-term investor and shareholder in Formula E.

2018: Signed contract extension with Mercedes

In mid-2016, Nico Rosberg signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes to 2018, that was not eventually fulfilled due to his retirement.

February 2019: Launch of Greentech Festival

In February 2019, Nico Rosberg launched the annual Greentech Festival trade fair with Sven Krüger and Marco Voigt in Berlin to showcase sustainable technologies.

April 2019: Declined DTM offer

In April 2019, Nico Rosberg declined an offer to drive an RS5 DTM in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters because he did not feel fit enough to return to racing.

2019: N. de Vries

In 2019 N. de Vries.

June 2020: Rosberg donated to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

In June 2020, Nico Rosberg donated €10,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund in response to the murder of George Floyd to aid its efforts in educating the public on racism and ending segregation.

2020: L. Hamilton

In 2020 L.Hamilton won.

2020: Rosberg appeared in Heineken's anti-drink-drive campaign

In 2020, Nico Rosberg appeared with his father in an advertisement for zero-alcohol beer as part of Heineken's anti-drink-drive campaign.

2020: Rosberg X Racing (RXR) established

In 2020, Nico Rosberg established Rosberg X Racing (RXR) using parts of his father's DTM team to compete in Extreme E.

2021: M. Verstappen

In 2021 M.Verstappen won.

2021: RXR competed in Extreme E

In 2021, Rosberg X Racing (RXR) competed in the all-electric SUV off-road racing series Extreme E, citing the racing action and a desire to combat climate change's effects.

2022: F. Drugovich

In 2022 F. Drugovich.

2022: RXR narrowly missed the constructors' title

In 2022, Rosberg X Racing (RXR) narrowly missed retaining the Extreme E constructors' title, losing by two points to Lewis Hamilton's Team X44.

2022: Launched the non-profit organisation Rosberg Philanthropies

In 2022, Rosberg launched the non-profit organisation Rosberg Philanthropies that focuses on environmental protection and supporting children.

2023: M. Verstappen

In 2023 M.Verstappen won.

December 2024: Rosberg announced RXR would cease operations in Extreme E

In December 2024, Nico Rosberg announced that Rosberg X Racing (RXR) would cease operations in Extreme E because the racing series will be replaced as Extreme H for 2025.