Nico Rosberg retires from Formula One

The Mercedes driver made the announcement during the FIA World Champions gala in Vienna today.

“For me it is a very special day to receive the trophy this evening. It is going to be amazing but for another reason: I want to take the opportunity to announce to end F1 career," Rosberg said.

Nico Rosberg, > the reigning World champion , announced his retirement from Formula One with immediate effect.

The Mercedes driver made the announcement during the FIA World Champions gala in Vienna today. “For me it is a very special day to receive the trophy this evening. It is going to be amazing but for another reason: I want to take the opportunity to announce to end F1 career," Rosberg said. ( >Rosberg's career in numbers )

READ - >Rosberg's triumph: a colossal feat

The German had won his first World title, five days back, finishing five points ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

“Since 25 years in racing, it has been my dream, my ‘one thing’ to become Formula One World Champion. Through the hard work, the pain, the sacrifices, this has been my target.And now I’ve made it. I have climbed my mountain, I am on the peak, so this feels right," Nico said in a statement.

READ: >Stars who retired as champions

Rosberg revealed he began thinking about retirement after the Suzuka win . "When I won the race in Suzuka, from the moment when the destiny of the title was in my own hands, the big pressure started and I began to think about ending my racing career if I became World Champion.

>Wolff: 'Rosberg retirement a brave decision'

"On Sunday morning in Abu Dhabi, I knew that it could be my last race and that feeling cleared my head before the start. I wanted to enjoy every part of the experience, knowing it might be the last time… and then the lights went out and I had the most intense 55 laps of my life. I took my decision on Monday evening," the reigning world champion explained.

REACTIONS: >Hamilton sad, not surprised by Rosberg retirement

The German said he revealed his intention to retire first to Vivian and Georg Nolte (of his management team).

Elaborating on the decision and its impact on his team, he said: "The only thing that makes this decision in any way difficult for me is because I am putting my racing family into a toughsituation. But Toto understood. He knew straight away that I was completely convinced and that reassured me."

Rosberg was non-committal on his plans for future. "Now, I’m just here to enjoy the moment. There is time to savour the next weeks, to reflect on the season and to enjoy every experience that comes my way. After that, I will turn the next corner in my life and see what it has in store for me," he said.