Rosberg 'thought about' subbing for Hamilton at Sakhir

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Nico Rosberg says he would have perhaps offered his services to Mercedes last year when Lewis Hamilton was sidelined from the Sakhir Grand Prix, had he been physically up to the task of driving an F1 car.

Hamilton tested positive for Covid in the run-up to the penultimate round of the 2020 championship in Bahrain, leaving Mercedes to scramble to find a replacement.

The Brackley squad ultimately reached a deal with Williams to draft in its protégé George Russell who went on to lead the race only to see a sensational maiden F1 win slip away because of a botched pit stop by his interim team.

But Rosberg admits that he would have been tempted to call up his old team if he had been physically fit.

"I would definitely have considered picking up the phone there," the 2016 F1 world champion said in a podcast with Jenson Button on YouTube.

"But I physically would not have been able to. No way. I would not manage more than two laps with that car. My arms would solidify rock solid, my fingers…

"I wouldn’t be able to hold the steering wheel anymore after two laps, I am sure. Not to speak of the neck falling between my legs when I’m braking, because I wouldn’t be able to hold my head up!

"You know, the G-forces on those things, the challenge and the development you need on all your specific muscles, your arm muscles… It’s very on the edge.

"So physically, no chance, because I was thinking about it."

Read also: Rosberg still 'leaning towards Hamilton' for title glory

Rosberg, who unexpectedly walked away from the sport just days after winning his 2016 title, would love to drive an F1 car once again. But the 36-yaer-old green entrepreneur says his racing days are well and truly over.

"If you tell me you can try Valtteri’s car tomorrow in Bahrain on a day of testing I’d be like ‘wow that’s so cool I’d love to do it’," he said.

"But if you tell me I have another chance to be back in a season, no. Thank you very much everybody, I’m very happy with my second life. That’s all done and fulfilled."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.