Barring that thus far elusive world championship crown, Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg would appear to have it all: F1 success, fame, fortune and family… But what are the truly essential items in his life? We quizzed the eight-time Grand Prix winner and made some interesting discoveries, including a love of classic cars and a fondness for Frosties…
Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes AMG F1 plays football. Formula One World Championship, Rd17, Indian Grand Prix, Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida, New Delhi, India, Qualifying, Saturday 27 October 2012.
The essential elements of my pre-race routine? Sometimes I play soccer with my physio Daniel.
Nico Rosberg
What are the essential elements of your pre-race routine?
Nico Rosberg: Mainly relaxing in my room, listening to some music. Lately it has been - surprise, surprise - dance music as this pumps up the mood a bit. Sometimes I play soccer with my physio Daniel - that’s about it.
What are the essential ingredients of a good night out?
NR: That’s very easy: the company you’re with. My best friends, my wife - and of course having good music! With these ingredients it doesn’t matter where you are - you will have an awesome time.
What essential items must you have in your driver’s room/motorhome at a race?
NR: My headphones, my music, my Blackberry - these are my absolute essentials.
What essential items must you always have in your fridge at home?
NR: I must have some lacto-free milk for breakfast and bio veggies for lunch.
What are your essential qualities for a girlfriend/wife/partner?
NR: Love and trustworthiness.
What are essential qualities of a good F1 team mate?
NR: Respect!
Your essential tip for avoiding stress at airports?
NR: Organization.
What are the essential qualities of an F1 driver?
NR: Talent, being organized and the ability to take it easy.
race winner Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 and Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes AMG F1 celebrate in parc ferme with Dr. Thomas Weber (GER) Daimler AG at Formula One World Championship, Rd1, Australian Grand Prix, Race, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australi...
The essential quality of a team mate? Respect.
Nico Rosberg
What is essential to help you wind down after a race?
NR: Having a snack. Usually I have to keep away from all this sweet stuff, but after a race I can afford some Frosties (sugar frosted cornflakes) and these kinds of things - as a sweet reward.
What are the essential elements of a great racing circuit?
NR: A good combination of everything: fast corners, hairpins, long straights to overtake.
What are the essential qualities of a team boss?
NR: Human skills. People management.
What are your essential requirements at a hotel?
NR: The most essential thing is that it is clean. Just clean.
What is the essential Grand Prix every fan should attend at least once in their lifetime?
NR: Monaco. It’s my home race - or one of my home races - and it is an awesome experience. I’ve won it twice and I am very proud of that. And I will make it three times this year!
Formula One World Championship, Rd12, Belgian Grand Prix, Race Day, Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, Sunday 24 August 2014.
Eau Rouge is F1 racing's essential corner. Even if it's not as difficult as it used to be it's still phenomenal.
Nico Rosberg
What are your essentials for a good night’s sleep?
NR: My pillow, keeping the room dark - and being in a sleeping rhythm.
What are the essential items you must have with you while travelling?
NR: My passport, my travel bag, my phone, my credit cards, some money - and something to read: at the moment anything about classic cars.
What is essential to help you wake up in the morning?
NR: My alarm clock. That is highly essential. And I have music as the wake-up sound, not a ring tone. That makes it easier for me to open my eyes! (laughs).
What is the essential corner in F1 racing?
NR: Eau Rouge in Spa. Even if it is not as difficult as it used to be it is still phenomenal.
What are the essential parts of your training regime?
NR: Eating healthily, endurance training on the bicycle, swimming and gym exercise to strengthen the muscles.
What is the personal quality most essential for success in F1 racing?
NR: Determination and commitment.
What is your essential tip for the aspiring F1 driver?
NR: Believe in yourself - and be good to the people who decide your future.
