Jean Todt: “Rosberg had a superb career”

A real twist of the weekend, the announcement of Nico Rosberg's retirement surprised many people in the world of motorsport. Many tributes have since been paid to the German driver, who was just crowned world champion a week ago in Abu Dhabi.

On the occasion of the FIA ​​Prize Ceremony in Vienna, Austria, Jean Todt, president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, sent a special message to Nico Rosberg. “I am very proud of Nico, he is an incredible champion, explains the former boss of the Team Ferrari.

I speak with a lot of emotion, because I have known him since he was very young. He was five years old, I was the head of Peugeot Sport and his father was one of the 905 pilots. So I had friendly ties with his father, his mother and the little boy who was there. He has had a superb career since. »

Jean Todt also admitted to having been informed the same morning of Nico Rosberg's announcement. “I had the privilege of receiving a call from Toto wolff to inform me of Nico’s decision.

I was very surprised, like everyone, but Nico showed throughout the year that he is extremely courageous. I think he did five or six of the hardest laps of his life in the last race of the championship, but he did it. I send him my congratulations and lots of luck for the future, which he deserves. »