TAG wrote:Everyone has their reasons but about the bravery comments and the being a father and his choosing to enjoy life, family and such...
The only one that knows is Nico, had he not won a championship this year, would he have retired? He signed a 3 year contract not too long ago. His answer would make a world of difference in the many opinions offered to explain what is otherwise an unprecedented event in the sport.
“I never give up,” he said. “So if I had come second I would have gone on for another year next year definitely.”
EDIT: actually just found the answer.
Yes, its really strange that Nico signed a 3 year contract after protracted negotiations only for him to walk out without warning. You have to wonder why he bothered or if he can stick to long term goals (team and personal).
It is a clear failure of management from Mercedes that they were not able to spot such an unstable team member even after so many years with them. Now they have just one experienced driver with the driver market effectively closed, no world champion to boast of, no photo shoots and other endorsements and so forth. A right old mess.
The signs were always there with Nico. It takes a particular kind of character to want to get ahead by wishing that a team mate would crash - something Nico did quite openly throughout 2014 and 2015.
Looking through the season, the FIA also has part of the blame to shoulder. We saw them apply rules in the most confused and inconsistent ways imaginable; pole times were improved under waved yellows, some drivers were allowed to make dangerous moves under braking... This year has been a real low, and F1 gaining a champ who is too weak to defend the title just creams the cake. The circus has really come to town.