Nico Rosberg Expresses Sadness Over No Longer Being Neighbors With Lewis Hamilton

Former F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg has revealed he is no longer neighbors with long-time rival Lewis Hamilton, expressing "sadness" over the development. Their personal distance reflects the enduring impact of their fierce 2016 title battle, which famously ended their decade-long friendship.

Why it matters

The relationship between Rosberg and Hamilton was one of Formula 1's most intense rivalries, evolving from childhood friends to Mercedes teammates vying for the world championship. This latest update underscores the lasting personal separation between two legends whose careers were deeply intertwined.

The big picture

Rosberg and Hamilton shared a competitive friendship from their karting days in 2000, even engaging in "races to eat pizza," as noted by Robert Kubica. Their paths converged again at Mercedes in 2013, where their rivalry escalated, culminating in a bitter championship fight in 2016.

The details

• Their friendship dissolved during the 2016 season when they were direct competitors for the F1 World Championship. Rosberg previously stated, "When you're fighting for success in every race and for titles, it doesn't work anymore."
• Despite the rift, Hamilton continued to send Christmas presents to Rosberg's daughters, though Rosberg jokingly insisted he "has to stay outside the door."
• Earlier this year, Rosberg described their relationship as "very nice... neutral," confirming they still lived in the same Monaco building.
• However, Rosberg recently disclosed on a Sky F1 Show that he has moved apartments, meaning he no longer lives next door to Hamilton. He explicitly stated, "I'm really sad because I'm not neighbours with Lewis anymore, my friend Lewis Hamilton anymore. It's very sad."

The bottom line

While their professional rivalry concluded with Rosberg's retirement in 2016, the personal distance between the two F1 champions continues to evolve. Rosberg's move marks another chapter in the complex narrative of their relationship.