Rosberg targets couch-surfing in 2017

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."

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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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