German media fights to free “imprisoned” Rosberg

Promise not to tell anyone, but Nico Rosberg (the most brattish driver on the grid?) really, really doesn’t want to drive for Williams in 2009, even though he has just signed up to do exactly that. The reason? It’s quite simple: Rosberg, a young man blessed with a freakish surfeit of self-confidence, sees himself as a future world champion who should be driving for Ferrari or McLaren. Instead, he’s destined to spend 2009 stuck at the back of the grid in a crappy Williams.

Rosberg isn’t the only one who’s thoroughly pissed off with the situation. The German media, who would quite like another German F1 world champ (especially one who is photogenic and outpsoken), is doing its bit to free Nico from the tyranny of a seat in a Williams…

Nobody likes change

Williams’ recent good from seems to have convinced boss Frank Williams that he is onto a winner. The team has moved to sign Japanese driver Kazuki Nakajima for next season to allow him and Rosberg to continue in tandem. Rosberg was already committed to Williams for 2009 from the contract he signed last winter.

“I am delighted we are able to maintain continuity with our drivers going into 2009,” said Frank Williams. “Nico Rosberg continues to be one of the most capable drivers in the sport. Kazuki is getting stronger all the time and has more to offer and Nico Hulkenberg is developing well.”

Nakajima impressed the team with his points finishes in Australia, Spain, Monaco, Britain and Singapore, while Rosberg’s recent return to form has reassured the team that they have the right formula.

Williams driver moans about 2008 car

There is something about the demeanour of Rosberg Jr. that says “Cocky little shit”. We’ve never met the man - it’s just a feeling: there’s something arrogant in his pout, the way he plays with his hair like a girl, the fact his dad was an F1 driver and more besides.

In term of his performance this season, Rosberg has let his team down. He’s been fast here and there, but way too friendly with the crash barriers. He’s also been overshadowed by team-mate Kazuki Nakajima (who by contrast, is as nice and humble a driver as you could ever wish to meet) on several occasions. As the team’s No.1 driver, that’s not in the script.

Rosberg blames Williams for not giving him a competitive car. He told German daily Bild: “The team this year has given me a good car only for the three street races. And for one of those I was on the podium.”

DC confirms what we already knew

We’ll leave it to Coutlhard to tell you about his decision to quit F1 at the end of this season:

“I would like to announce today my decision to retire from racing in Formula 1 at the end of this season. I will remain actively involved in the sport as a consultant to Red Bull Racing focusing on testing and development of the cars.

“I have an open mind as to whether or not I will compete again in the future, in some other form of motorsport, so I am definitely not hanging up my helmet!”

Did Williams miss a chance to sign Lewis Hamilton in 1994?

“La la la la, I’m not listening to you, la la la la…”

Lewis Hamilton has been tied to McLaren since he was a nipper, but it might not always have been that way. Patrick Head, Williams’ Sgt. Major-in-chief, revealed earlier this year that his team had the chance to sign Hamilton when he was racing in F3, but BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said he was not interested in the young Brit. Oops. Good judgment call Mario!