Gerhard Berger says he does not relate to Nico Rosberg’s decision to quit F1 at the age of 31.
Rosberg has said he called time on his career after achieving his boyhood dream of the world title, but at first Berger says he could not believe the content of the text message from his German friend.
Earlier in 2016, the F1 legend had successfully negotiated a lucrative new two-year Mercedes contract for Rosberg.
"At first I thought ’Is he still drunk from the celebrations?’
"Now, I see it with mixed feelings, but I could not have done the same in his situation," Berger told Auto Motor und Sport. "He had the best car, with a great contract, at his age and with his health — I could never have stopped.
"We’ll see if he regrets his retirement or not," the former Ferrari and McLaren driver added.
Bild newspaper has published photos of Rosberg enjoying a relaxing holiday with his wife in Rome.