Good post!

There are more than a few "ex pro racers" that are bitter, damaged people from trying to scale those heights and falling, more than once... it's brutal in the middle and upper levels, for all but a fortunate few.

 

Wow! I tuned out of F1 immediately after that last race, happy for Nico! I missed this news. Good for him. Objective accomplished, focus on family and other things. Nothing wrong with that, IMHO.

 

... and in most arenas of life, not just pro racing. There are only so many spots available at the top, and in fields where people attracted by a passionate motivation (sports, arts, much of academia, some areas of business, etc.), the supply of contenders far exceeds the available spots, so many won't make it no matter how hard they try. I'm not suggesting pessimism, but it's easier to be "successful" if goals are set realistically.

I think Nico set a goal of one F1 WDC as realistic (but not guaranteed) if he put forth a huge effort. Knowing what it took him to actually reach that goal probably helped convince him that resetting that goal to add another WDC wasn't realistic for him, considering the further sacrifices involved.

 

They say "do something you love as your job and you'll never work a day in your life." I have found that if you do something you love as your job you turn a passion into work.

 

I know a lot of people like that, too...

 

My disillusionment with F1 started when Schumacher crashed Damon Hill out of the F1 World's Championship and NOTHING was done.
Lewis Hamilton's attempt to back up Rosberg was not only against Team orders but potentially dangerous for all involved. Rosberg could have tried to pass Hamilton in frustration or Vettel, Rosberg.
Frankly, if i managed the Mercedes team, I would have terminated Hamilton.
Steve McQueen put it best, 'blood sport'.
But there has to be a limit, Lewis Hamilton crossed that limit.
I would not want to be on a Team with Hamilton and I completely understand Rosberg's decision.-Richard

 

For better or for worse, deservedly or not, if you're arguably the world's most talented driver on the world's best team that's worth billions, you get slack.

Gary

 

And he's still employed...