Twitter goes into collective shock as 2016 Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg announces shock retirement

.@MercedesAMGF1 boss Toto Wolff pays tribute to Nico Rosberg after the reigning world champion announced his retirement from #F1 pic.twitter.com/y3J0zryNYu
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 2, 2016

I think @nico_rosberg broke twitter this morning. Bold move, love it.
— Regan Smith (@ReganSmith) December 2, 2016

Whatever the story behind this mystery decision @nico_rosberg is a class act. Shame for F1 really to lose men of this calibre #f1
— Byron Young (@byronf1) December 2, 2016

What a surprise. He'll leave F1 with a big achievement done. @nico_rosberg respect my man... #F1 pic.twitter.com/Y334XMKT1W
— Giedo van der Garde (@GvanderGarde) December 2, 2016

Hamilton - after hearing he's getting a new dance partner for next year's recitals #NicoRosberg #Blessed #F1 pic.twitter.com/wExkJDpdhG
— McMike (@_McMike_) December 2, 2016

They say a man must quit while still on top. Nico Rosberg hangs his racing boots. What a champ.
— matome w senyolo (@mwsenyolo) December 2, 2016

Incredible news about @nico_rosberg retiring from F1. Very brave making that decision.
— Juan Pablo Montoya (@jpmontoya) December 2, 2016

Respect my friend! @nico_rosberg
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) December 2, 2016

Full Respect for @nico_rosberg
— Florian König (@FlorianKoenig1) December 2, 2016

Well then...#DankeN1CO #n1co #F1 @nico_rosberg @F1 pic.twitter.com/gKnVVwobxr
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) December 2, 2016

31-year-old Nico Rosberg the German Formula One driver, has announced his retirement, just 5 days after winning the F1 World Championships😱
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 2, 2016

Think this is the general feeling in the #F1 community! #NicoRosberg pic.twitter.com/qMZlNx1ZHj
— F1 Images 🏁 (@F1_Images) December 2, 2016

Lewis Hamilton right now. #F1 #NicoRosberg pic.twitter.com/B2SHOqOr1Z
— Sandro De Young (@SandroDeYoung) December 2, 2016

#F1 @nico_rosberg announced his retirement from @F1 during the #FIAPrizeGiving press conference! pic.twitter.com/osQPWr3SyK
— FIA (@fia) December 2, 2016

#NicoRosberg quits #f1 not surprised!Saw that coming,can see hamiltons engine busted in order to give nico a chance to win before retiring
— I am Sam, Sam I am (@theSammySyrett) December 2, 2016

Can't work out whether the pressure got to #NicoRosberg and he can't cope with another year against Lewis or he's truly happy. Fair play tho
— James B (@J8mes_b) December 2, 2016

Newly crowned Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg sent shock waves around the world by announcing his retirement from the sport with immediate effect. The 31-year-old from Germany made the announcement on his Facebook page and Twitter, as per usual, has gone berserk. Here are some of the best Tweets.