Nico Rosberg announces shock retirement from Formula 1

The Mercedes driver made the announcement at an FIA press conference and confirmed his decision in a Facebook post.

Rosberg said he was not willing to repeat the sacrifices he made to pip Lewis Hamilton to the 2016 drivers' title, and revealed he had been considering retiring if he became world champion since winning the Japanese Grand Prix in October.

He said: "When I won the in Suzuka, from the moment when the destiny of the title was in my own hands, the big pressure started and I began to think about ending my racing career if I became world champion.

"I took my decision on Monday evening. After reflecting for a day, the first people I told were Vivian and Georg (Nolte, from Nico’s management team), followed by Toto (Wolff, Mercedes chief).

"The only thing that makes this decision in any way difficult for me is because I am putting my racing family into a tough situation. But Toto understood. He knew straight away that I was completely convinced and that reassured me.

Rosberg, who is five months younger than Lewis Hamilton, bows out aged 31 after 11 seasons in Formula One.

He raced for Williams before moving to Mercedes in 2010 - he finished as runner-up to Hamilton in the 2014 and 2015 drivers' championship as their rivalry became increasingly bitter.

He clinched his first and only title last Sunday in Abu Dhabi, finishing a tense race second behind Hamilton.

The pressure took its toll on Rosberg, who has decided to go out on top and becomes the first reigning champion to retire since Alain Prost in 1993.

Wolff said no decision has been made on who will replace him.