Giacomo Agostini, arguably the greatest motorcycle racing legend of all time, says he cannot understand new F1 champion Nico Rosberg’s decision to quit.
The Italian, who switched to non-championship F1 after his glittering moto career ended in the 70s, was asked by La Gazzetta dello Sport to comment on 31-year-old Rosberg’s decision to call it a day as reigning champion.
"I don’t understand it," Agostini, 74, admitted.
"I wonder if he had a great passion or just wanted to win a title. It takes some courage to give up many millions, but I also think of (footballer Francesco) Totti who is 40 and not stopping.
"When I retired, I cried for three days," he added.
"Nico did a little of what (Casey) Stoner did, when you see someone who has the gift to be a Michaelangelo and throws it away," said Agostini.
When faced with criticisms of his retirement decision, Rosberg told the French language AFP news agency: "People who criticise? I say let everyone choose their own way.
"From my point of view, I had a very nice time, I got what I wanted, I succeeded. Now I have much to look forward to, like spending more time with my daughter," he added.
Asked how many children he would like to have, Rosberg answered: "I hope to have more if the opportunity arises — a football team!
"My wife Vivian is not convinced of this idea yet," he smiled.