BREAKING: F1 champion Rosberg announces shock retirement

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team's German driver Nico Rosberg celebrates at the end of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit on November 27, 2016. Nico Rosberg won his maiden Formula One world title by securing second place behind his Mercedes arch-rival Lewis Hamilton in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. / AFP PHOTO / Andrej ISAKOVIC

Nico Rosberg announced his retirement from Formula One on Friday, just five days after winning the world title for Mercedes in a move that stunned motor racing.

“I took my decision on Monday evening. After reflecting for a day,” the German said in a statement on his facebook page which said he wanted to devote more time to his family.

“The only thing that makes this decision in any way difficult for me is because I am putting my racing family into a tough situation.”