Former McLaren and Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger isn't ruling out an eventual return to Formula 1 of 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, sometime in the future

Berger, a close friend of the Rosberg family, was entrusted last summer with negotiating a new two-year contract for Rosberg with Mercedes, and knows the German driver particularly well.

"It may be that in two or three years he could say to himself 'I do not want to sit at home anymore'," Berger told Austrian broadcaster Servus TV.

"I could imagine him getting bored."

Berger cited the exemples of Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen as drivers who initially retired from the sport before stepping back in.

Regarding Nico Rosberg, Berger emphasized the world champion's relatively young age, saying that it only made the prospect of a return more plausible.

"The chance is there, especially when he leaves so young and at his peak. No matter what business he gets into, nothing compares with the feeling of driving these cars and standing on the podium as a winner.

"Even if Nico says today that it does not matter to him, I can imagine him getting bored in a few years.

"It will be particularly difficult for Nico because of his age. If you're at the age where you can no longer do what you used to do before, it's different."

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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.

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