NICO ROSBERG : LEWIS HAMILTON IS A COMPLETE NUTCASE
Long before Lewis became a seven-time world champion and Ferrari’s star signing, and before Rosberg claimed his own dramatic title in 2016, the pair spent their formative years pushing each other on and off the track.
During the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, Rosberg opened up about one particularly wild childhood memory that perfectly summed up Lewis’ fearless nature. With the race delayed for over an hour due to heavy rain, Rosberg took the chance to entertain fans on Sky Sports F1 by sharing a story that had everyone laughing—and also shaking their heads in disbelief.
Lewis The “Complete Nutcase”
Rosberg didn’t hold back when describing Lewis’ daredevil personality as a kid. He called Lewis a “complete nutcase,” but said it with affection, as if to underline that this bold, fearless spirit is exactly what made Lewis the superstar he is today.
“We were always on holiday together because we were best friends at the time,” Rosberg explained. “He was at my parents’ house. Always with an engine – we were full speed with everything. Lewis was proper nuts, completely nuts!”
The story he shared involved jet-skis, big waves, and a crash that left Lewis half-unconscious with a nasty chin injury.
“I remember once we went jet-skiing together. I was on the back of him on the same jet ski. I had such a big shunt, I flew off in the biggest way. Then we went with two stand-up jet-skis. I watched him go off this giant wave, from the ferry. He did not lift. I have never seen someone go so high airborne. He came crashing down and knocked open his chin when he smacked down on the jet ski as he landed. So he was lying there half-unconscious! I had to go and check that he was okay. His chin was cut open. Complete nutcase…”
It’s a story that makes you smile, but it also perfectly captures Lewis’ lifelong mentality—he has always been willing to push beyond the limit, no matter the risk.
From Best Friends To Fierce Rivals
Of course, fans know that the friendship between Lewis and Rosberg didn’t stay picture-perfect. The two were reunited at Mercedes in 2013, and for four seasons they formed one of the most intense intra-team battles in modern F1 history.
They started as friends, but as soon as they were competing for championships in the same machinery, things got heated. From wheel-to-wheel clashes to icy post-race celebrations, their rivalry reached boiling point by 2016. That year, Rosberg finally achieved his dream by beating Lewis to the world championship in a season full of drama and tension.
Many fans still remember the infamous flashpoints: Bahrain 2012 (before Mercedes), the collision at Spa 2014, the wild racing at Bahrain 2014, and of course the chaotic title showdown in Abu Dhabi 2016. Their rivalry was personal, intense, and unfiltered—something Formula 1 doesn’t always allow in a world of polished PR.
But the foundation of that rivalry? It was always built on the fact that these two drivers had known each other since they were kids. They knew exactly how to push each other’s buttons.
Respect Restored After Retirement
What makes the Hamilton-Rosberg story so fascinating is how it has evolved. After winning the 2016 championship, Rosberg shocked the F1 world by retiring just days later. That sudden exit left Lewis furious at the time, but it also ended their bitter on-track battles.
Now, years later, Rosberg admits that his relationship with Lewis has healed. He even revealed that they live in the same building and occasionally catch up.
“We have a very nice and mutual relationship now,” Rosberg said. “We live in the same building, so we catch up from time to time.”
It’s quite a turnaround from the days when neither could stand to lose to the other. Time, distance, and perspective have clearly softened the animosity, allowing the respect to shine through again.
Lewis At Ferrari: A New Chapter With Old Lessons
While Rosberg reflected on their past, the Belgian Grand Prix also gave fans another look at Lewis’ present reality. Now driving for Ferrari, Lewis continues to battle through the ups and downs of F1’s most famous team.
At Spa 2025, Lewis started 18th after a tough qualifying session but fought his way through the field to finish seventh. Rosberg praised his former team-mate, calling it a “super job” given the circumstances.
“Ferrari will be pleased Mercedes struggled,” Rosberg added. “If they keep up their form, that helps a lot in the Constructors’ Championship. Nevertheless, they are still 20 seconds off McLaren which is a big chunk.”
It was another reminder of how tough this Ferrari chapter is proving to be. Lewis came into the team with huge expectations, both from fans and from himself. He’s desperate to bring a championship back to Maranello, something Ferrari haven’t achieved since 2007. But the challenge is monumental, and every race feels like a test of patience and resilience.
A Legacy Of Risk-Taking
What stands out most about Rosberg’s childhood story is how it ties into the bigger picture of Lewis’ career. That crazy jet-ski incident wasn’t just a one-off. It was a preview of the mindset that has carried Lewis through his entire Formula 1 journey.
From overtakes that seemed impossible, to battling in the rain, to never giving up even when the odds are stacked against him, Lewis has always embodied that “complete nutcase” spirit Rosberg described. It’s not recklessness—it’s a refusal to accept limits.
Even now, at Ferrari, with critics saying his career is in decline, Lewis is still pushing. He’s still fighting every lap, still chasing every point, still chasing that elusive first win in red. That same determination that made him launch off a giant wave on a jet-ski as a kid is what keeps him going against McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull today.
Why Fans Still Believe
For passionate F1 fans, especially those who have followed Lewis since his 2007 debut, stories like Rosberg’s only make the journey more meaningful. They show us that Lewis has always been wired differently. He’s always been bold, daring, and unafraid of the consequences.
That’s why fans continue to believe, even through the tough days at Ferrari. Because if anyone can defy the odds, it’s Lewis. He’s done it before—again and again. And as long as he’s on the grid, the dream of another world championship is alive.
Conclusion: A Bond Written In Speed
The story of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will always be one of the most fascinating in Formula 1. From childhood friends who crashed jet-skis together, to bitter rivals who nearly tore Mercedes apart, to older, wiser men who now respect each other again—their bond has been tested in every possible way.
Rosberg’s tale of Lewis being a “complete nutcase” isn’t just funny—it’s symbolic. It shows us who Lewis has always been: fearless, relentless, and determined to go higher, faster, and further than anyone else.
That’s why, even at Ferrari in this challenging chapter, Lewis continues to inspire. His journey isn’t just about titles or statistics—it’s about never lifting off the throttle, no matter the size of the wave ahead.
Because as Lewis himself has always said: Still We Rise.
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