Nico Rosberg was fully aware beforehand that his decision to retire from F1 would inevitably "put Mercedes in a difficult situation".
Speaking to French broadcaster Canal Plus in Paris yesterday, the 2016 world champion said that while the decision itself was difficult, he was also troubled by the inevitable consequences his employers would face with regard to finding a driver to replace him.
"I knew it would put Mercedes in a difficult situation," he explained. "Toto (Wolff) was very understanding, but with Niki (Lauda) it took a little more time."
Before deciding to call it a day on his F1 career, Rosberg had committed earlier this year to a lucrative two-year contract worth a reputed €45 million. But the German says he has no regrets over the loss of income.
"I'm in a lucky situation thanks to the fact that I earned a good living in racing, and I know I am privileged. This is probably what permitted me to take my decision.
"I know that the money that was in that contract would not have made me any more happier in the future."
Virtual reality: The future of F1 coverage?
Jorge Lorenzo: When a two-wheel champion tests a Mercedes
Silbermann says ... Ignore Flavio, get Alonso in
INTERVIEW: Stoffel Vandoorne: The long wait is over
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Helmut Marko believes that Red Bull and Max Verstappen are unlikely to challenge for victory…
Automotive giant General Motors is reportedly back in the game as a potential entrant in…
The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…
Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…
It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…
Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…