Rosberg's trainer: 'It all happened so suddenly'

© XPB 

For many seasons, Daniel Schlosser was perhaps Nico Rosberg's closest friend and ally, as his personal trainer and confidant.

But when the freshly crowned world champion and Mercedes driver announced his retirement in Vienna, 'Big Dan' was just as shocked as everyone.

"For me, everything came very suddenly," Schlosser told Germany's Bild newspaper.

"I'm exploring my options because I would be very happy to stay at Mercedes, and I would also like to work in my hometown of Cologne or cooperate with another driver or sportsman."

While the trainer ponders his future he did rule out working for the man who lived on the other side of the Mercedes garage, Lewis Hamilton.

"Thats' out of the question," said Schlosser.

"He is perfectly happy with his physiotherapist, as far as I know. And we have been in competition for so long that it would be hard for me."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter