In a time when drivers have become corporate spokepersons, rarely have we had the opportunity to see their human side. Albeit some might say things have improved a bit these days with Lewis Hamilton showcasing his underwear on Instagram, we still don’t see them as human beings. More like markering pinups for whatever energy drink they are selling.

Rosberg was one of these pin ups. A career of selling IWC watches and coming second fiddle to Lewis, he was thrust into the limelight of 2016 Formula 1 World Champion. #1. Finally. And in this limelight he came through - the real Nico Rosberg - through years of that media facade.


We saw a Rosberg that was relieved. We saw a Rosberg that was in love with his wife - who saw her as an equal teammate to his victory. We saw someone who knew that passing Max was critical (emphasis ‘critical’) to his championship. We saw more of Nico Rosberg that day than we saw his entire life. I urge anyone who hasn’t seen his Abu Dhabi post race interviews yet take a pause and search on your favorite video website. Here and here.

This season you did not see a forgettable #2 driver get lucky to the championship. You saw them experience the emotions you would expect a normal human being would experience. That you would experience.