Give them equal cars and see Max Verstappen come out on top, is what the orange army suggests whenever the debate of who’s a better driver between Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen initiates. However, there has been one driver who did beat Hamilton in equal cars. Yes, you’re right, Nico Rosberg, who beat the 7X champ to take home the 2016 world championship. However, a single decision after beating his teammate helped Toto Wolff keep $106 million. But what was that decision?

Nico Rosberg gave it his all in trying to beat Hamilton during the 2016 F1 season. The German talked about how he didn’t paint his helmet to save on weight and even trained to lose about a pound from his legs. He lost muscle mass, making his legs weaker, but saved the crucial weight. In the end, it was the fine margins that won Rosberg the championship, as he won by just 5 points. 

However, Rosberg had gone above and beyond to beat Hamilton and become the world champion. The German decided that it was time for him to end his F1 career after the 2016 championship and to retire as a champion. Becoming a world champion was enough for him, and he wanted to focus on being a husband and father. This was the decision that saved Toto Wolff $106 million. 

Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Rosberg revealed how he still had a couple of years left on his contract, which would’ve easily earned him $106 million, yet he decided to retire. According to Speedweek.com, he said, “I had a valid contract that ran for another two years, and if I had simply continued, it would have easily brought in 100 million euros. But I am lucky that I have earned so much money with my sport that this money no longer played a role in my considerations. Because I knew that I could realize everything with what I earned anyway, just like my children and grandchildren.”

Rosberg’s sudden decision to leave did save Toto Wolff millions but gave him the headache of finding a driver to replace him. Lewis Hamilton has now left Wolff in a similar situation after announcing his move to Ferrari. Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen are the prime prospects. However, Rosberg suggests it’s too early for Antonelli.

Toto Wolff warned against signing Kimi Antonelli for 2025 by Nico Rosberg

Toto Wolff regrets not signing Max Verstappen when he had the opportunity. Kimi Antonelli, the upcoming star in junior Formula, is said to be the next Verstappen, and Wolff doesn’t want to lose him, so Mercedes has set up a couple of F1 tests for the F2, one of which took place in Austria a few weeks ago. But Nico Rosberg suggests that it is too early for Kimi Antonelli to make a move to Mercedes.

Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 11, 2022 Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff before the race REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini

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Nico Rosberg said, “Antonelli is definitely a superstar of the future. But unfortunately, the timing is too early for him. And [it is] too early for Toto to choose Antonelli. He hasn’t shown anything in Formula 2 yet. This is the minimum requirement to do well in Formula 2 in order to be eligible for Formula 1. Therefore, Toto has to take time for this strategy and wait until summer or autumn for the decision”

Regardless, there are rumors of Max Verstappen having a contract negotiation meeting with Toto Wolff after the Miami GP. Let’s see who ends up in Hamilton’s seat for the 2025 season.