'I would have done the same as Rosberg', says Herbert

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Sky Sports F1 pundit and former F1 driver Johnny Herbert says he would have probably done exactly the same as reigning world champion Nico Rosberg, and pulled out of the sport after winning the title.

Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner, is one of few people who admitted not to have been shocked by the Mercedes driver's decision to call it a day on his career in F1.

"I was not as shocked or surprised as many others," Herbert told Badger GP.

"I don’t know because it never happened to me, but I think I was that type of character as well. My goal was always to win the world championship, so I probably would have been quite similar."

Many have offered their opinion on the reasons why Rosberg declined to defend his title in 2017, but Herbert believes it all boiled down to mental exhaustion.

"The biggest thing I saw in Abu Dhabi – and I can’t remember whether it was after the race or on the podium – was he looked absolutely shattered. Mentally and physically shattered.

"Sometimes we’ve been a bit critical when he won a race because we didn’t see the emotion, but it was brilliant to actually see the way he went about the achievement.

Herbert doubts Rosberg won't have engines ringing in his ears in the future, but he's equally convinced he won't come back to F1.

"He’s going to have a bit of time with the family, and then he might in a couple of years go and have a go at Le Mans, or DTM.

"I think he’s done with Formula 1, though; I don’t see him coming back."

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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.