Rosberg targets couch-surfing in 2017

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Retired world champion Nico Rosberg is gearing up for a season of couch-surfing, admitting that he has no plans for the 2017 season opener in March except for "sitting on a couch".

The man who walked away from Formula 1 and a lucrative couple of years in the sport to enjoy life with his family only aspires to kick his feet up and enjoy the show.

"I'm just going to be at home, sitting on a couch, watching TV," the former Mercedes told CNN.

"I'll be excited to see the new cars and the battles. I'll definitely be following."

Some have surmised that Rosberg only ever intended to emulate his father's achievement of winning the title before retiring, while others think he baulked at the extraordinary pressure of taking on Lewis Hamilton.

"The pressure and the intensity were unbelievable," Rosberg admits. "There were some really hard moments along the way.

"To lose to Lewis in the two championships prior was very, very tough. It's really not easy to handle.
Even when I crossed the line (in Abu Dhabi) I wasn't happy. I was relieved in the first instance."

Rosberg: will it be Mercedes or Ferrari?

While he'll enjoy his role this year as an arm-chair enthusiast, Rosberg did admit that he would probably be returning to racing in the future, albeit in a different capacity than as a driver.

"I want to be involved in the sport in some way. I know I'll be a fan of our sport. I have a go-kart in the south of France so if I feel the need to drive, I just go up there with friends. Apart from that, nothing at the moment.

"What I need is competition. There are other sports I also have passion for. I know that even if I play tennis I can get a similar sort of thrill and fun out of it. So let's see."

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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.