Current Formula 1 Drivers Championship leader Nico Rosberg has received a welcome boost ahead of his home Grand Prix at Hockenheim by announcing a new long-team contract extension with his Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team. It comes on the back of his marriage to long-term partner Vivian Sibold earlier this week.
The German joined the team when they arrived in Formula one back in 2010, and has taken six victories, 17 podium finishes and eight pole positions in that time. He took his maiden F1 victory at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix, and has taken three victories this season in Australia, Monaco and Austria.
“I am very proud to drive the Formula One Silver Arrow of the modern era,” said Rosberg. “As a German, the heritage of Mercedes-Benz is very special for me, and I am proud to be able to represent the best car brand around the world.
“It has been a difficult road to get to where we are now – but everybody kept believing and, thanks to the fantastic support from Mercedes-Benz, we are now leading the way in F1. There has been big progress during the past year, building up our structure, management and capability for the future. We have an awesome team and I am confident that we have the right people in place at every level. I’m looking forward to the next years together, when we will keep pushing to win even more races – and, hopefully, championships.”
Toto Wolff, the Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport is delighted to have secured Rosberg’s name on an extended contract with the team, and feels it brings stability and continuity as Mercedes plan for the future.
“Nico has been part of the Silver Arrows project since day one and he has a big stake in the development of the team since 2010,” said Wolff. “His speed, commitment and focus have all helped to give clear direction and to drive the team forward. With his performances in 2014, Nico has demonstrated to the outside world what we knew already in the team: that he is one of the very top drivers in Formula One.
“This new contract brings us important stability and continuity for the future and I am delighted to be able to make the announcement in time for the home race of Mercedes-Benz and Nico in Hockenheim.”
