Nico Rosberg has given some insight into what he will do in the future after admitting "life has more to offer than driving around in circles".
Rosberg retired as reigning world champion at the end of last year, deciding against defending his title in 2017. Speaking about the decision on stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he said he was looking forward to the freedom his retirement would offer.
"First of all, to do sport at the highest level it is really 110 percent focus that is required and there is no room for any compromise whatsoever, at least that's the way I went about it. Everything else is secondary and so far behind and that's even family -- I have a one and half year old daughter now -- it's friends and any exciting and fun projects, everything is way, way behind [in your priorities].
"So there's a time for everything and I find that life has more to offer than driving around in circles and it just felt like the right moment. I want to go for new challenges. Of course there is the matter of having more time for family, more time for friends and being in control of my whole life as well. Since I was a 10 year old the whole season is planned by other people, telling you where you need to be and especially in F1 -- its really, really intense. And now I have this complete freedom."
Rosberg will continue as an ambassador with Mercedes, but also hinted at some of the charitable work he would like to become involved in.
"One of the avenues that I want to go down is to give something back. Find something that really touches my heart, so I'm going to go exploring different avenues. I'm going to go to Germany and visit children who are really quite ill, especially of the age of children who are really happy to see me and give them a great time.
"Renewable energy could be quite interesting, there are so many things and opportunities - electric car for example, I had a Tesla as a taxi the other day in Switzerland so it's quite impressive we have come that far."
Rosberg also revealed how his study of philosophy had given him extra strength while fighting for the title.
"It's the same for actors, for singer, even for politicians. I think it's a challenge because you get put up on a pedestal by so many people around the world when you're doing good things in your environment and it can sometimes be a bit difficult to cope with that. I think that's why we see so many singers and actors, especially, losing the plot and going a bit off the rails.
"But I think every person has to go about it in his own way, and I have definitely struggled with that at times but managed to find my way with it. I've studied philosophy for ten years and that has been a huge benefit because every little issue, suffering or doubt you have, there has been someone in the past who has had exactly that same thing -- and there's been a genius in the past who has had exactly that same thing and has been able to write it down to make it really understandable.
"So you learn [to understand] why am I jealous, why am I now angry, why do I have fear, why am I scared, why am I nervous. You really lean to understand all of that. You can't switch off all those emotions, that's impossible, but you can change the way you act once you get them. Because if you understand why you have it you can change your action and your reaction afterwards, and that can have a huge snowball effect as a person in your life."