Nico Rosberg retires from Formula One: 'Right time to go'; Twitterati reacts to World Champion's decision

Nico Rosberg stunned Formula One on Friday with the shock announcement that he was retiring only days after winning his first world championship with Mercedes.

“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,” the German said in a statement on Facebook.

“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,” the 31-year-old added.

“I took my decision on Monday evening.”

Here is how Twitteratti reacted to this shocking decision

Unbelievable!! Didn't see that coming.. https://t.co/yDFqMC7gQQ

— Narain Karthikeyan (@narainracing) December 2, 2016

“We’re all taken aback”

Our F1 commentator @jack_nicholls with the latest on Nico Rosberg’s retirement https://t.co/ERT3b4UqqX

— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) December 2, 2016

Did not see that coming... #Rosberg retires at the top of his game. Here's to Verstappen next season!

— Brendon Netto (@BrendonNetto) December 2, 2016

Retire at the peak of your career? Hmm, right way to go then... https://t.co/In7SZQkOUt

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) December 2, 2016

Nico Rosberg retires at the top - Wenger should note.

— Pulasta Dhar (@TheFalseNo9) December 2, 2016

Nico Rosberg announces F1 retirement on Facebook Live. Looks and sounds like they were filming it on a home movie from 30 years ago #amateur

— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) December 2, 2016

@nico_rosberg thanks for the good memories. You were a classy driver and very fun to watch. Enjoy your new life

— Martin Allard (@Martin_Allard) December 2, 2016

Oh! Nico Rosberg. C'mon! We were waiting to see you race at least one season as a World Champion!! #F1 #Rosberg #MercedesAMG

— Kunal Shah (@kunalashah) December 2, 2016

Nico #Rosberg is the first reigning World Champion to end his career since Alain Prost in 1993 #F1 pic.twitter.com/NS9nomMiXh

— BBCF1 (@bbcf1) December 2, 2016

Read Rosberg’s retirement statement here: