F1 News: Former Champion Follows In Sebastian Vettel's Footsteps With Sustainability-Focussed Endeavours

Former Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg has shifted his focus from the high-octane world of motorsport to become an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with a strong commitment to sustainability. After retiring from racing at a young age, Rosberg has embraced his newfound freedom to explore new ventures and create a meaningful impact.

While commentating for Sky and engaging in punditry, Rosberg has seamlessly transitioned into the business world, employing 15 people to manage his investments and entrepreneurial endeavours. Alongside brand ambassador roles for companies like German energy firm EnBW and logistics provider Jungheinrich, Rosberg identifies as a "sustainability entrepreneur and angel investor" on professional networking platforms.

The former champion acknowledges his immense luck and financial freedom, thanks to his successful racing career. Driven by the desire to make a significant contribution, Rosberg draws inspiration from entrepreneurial figures who invest in and support meaningful initiatives. Although he rules out a return to racing, he aspires to leverage the legacy of his racing career to fuel his new endeavours.

During an interview with The Guardian, Rosberg explained:

“I am so incredibly lucky. Thanks to the racing, I have financial freedom and I can do whatever I want.

"I was always inspired by people who took that entrepreneurial path, investing to support or create something.

“I want to do something significant, I want to contribute and I want to grow.

Rosberg's passion for sustainability developed after stepping away from the international Formula One scene. Despite his background in a fossil-fuel-dependent sport, he now passionately advocates for sustainability and emphasises the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, an issue he admits he gave little thought to during his racing days.

In 2019, Rosberg co-founded the Greentech festival alongside engineers and entrepreneurs. The festival, which begins this week in Berlin, serves as a global platform for pioneering and sustainable ideas. Rosberg's financial independence allows him to focus on these new interests, including investments in startups with sustainability at their core. Additionally, he has created an endowment for future generations.

During his trip to London, Rosberg met with the Wellcome Trust, a renowned philanthropic investor known for impressive financial returns. While Forbes estimates his net worth at over $20 million, Rosberg keeps the exact figure confidential, acknowledging the substantial earnings of top Formula One drivers.

Rosberg's latest venture, Rosberg X Racing, participates in Extreme E, an environmentally conscious motorsport. As a team owner, he embraces the series' focus on raising awareness of the climate crisis by racing electric off-road SUVs in locations impacted by environmental challenges. With IG Prime as a sponsor, Rosberg's team competes against others founded by notable figures like Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.

While Extreme E's viewership continues to grow globally, Formula One remains the dominant motorsport, particularly in the United States. Rosberg hopes that Extreme E entertains viewers while encouraging them to reflect on their own lives and contribute to combating the climate crisis.

Rosberg's move into the sustainability area is similar to that of recently retired F1 champion Sebastian Vettel. Vettel has been focused on bringing more awareness to various environmental issues and is set to appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with some of his iconic F1 cars which will be run on sustainable fuel.