Despite spending his childhood around the paddock with his father, 1982 world champion Keke, Nico Rosberg was never guaranteed a future in F1. Brought up in Monaco, he was encouraged to pursue other hobbies, and even considered becoming a professional tennis player.

He started karting at the age of 11, and in 2002, he moved up to German Formula BMW, winning the title in his first season with nine victories. At 17 he became the youngest person to drive an F1 car when he was given a test with Williams, and he never looked back. Driving for his father's team, Team Rosberg, he graduated to Formula 3. In 2005 he was offered a place at Imperial College in London to read for a degree in Aeronautics, but decided pursue a career in racing.

His gamble paid off and that year he moved into the GP2 series with ART racing, winning the championship in his rookie year, beating rival Heikki Kovalainen by 15 points. Such an impressive display earned him with a seat with Williams for the 2006 season, alongside Mark Webber.

His debut at the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix could not have been much more impressive. After an early collision with Nick Heidfeld, that saw him slip to the back of the field he recovered to secure his first points, finishing seventh. In doing so, he became the youngest driver ever to record a fastest lap. In his second race he qualified third, only to bow out on the third lap with engine failure. He ended his rookie season in 17th, with four points.

In 2007 Rosberg improved on his debut season result with 20 points, enough for ninth in the drivers' standings. His best result came in Brazil on the final race of the season, where he finished fourth. He had to wait until the following year, however, to secure his first podium finish. On the opening race of the 2008 season he took third, and bettered this in Singapore with a second behind Fernando Alonso. However, mixed results throughout the season meant he completed the season down in 13th.

2009 was Rosberg's best season, but although he was consistently quickest in practice, he failed to replicate the speed in qualifying. Although he didn't to reach the podium, consistently finishing in the points was enough to see him take seventh, and get a drive with the new Mercedes team for 2010.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Rosberg is one of the most talented drivers on the circuit, with natural pace and ability. However, his failure to keep his cool when the pressure is on still remains a problem.

Career High
Becoming the youngest driver to set a fastest lap on his F1 debut in the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix.

Career Low
After qualifying third at the Singapore Grand Prix, Rosberg was a comfortable second, and in with a chance of catching leader Lewis Hamilton for his first race victory. He pitted on lap 18, but crossed the white line exiting the pits and recieved drive-through penalty, eventually finishing a disappointing 11th.

Quotes
"Generally it is just annoying. I know that I am very lucky to have a father like that and it has helped my career but in the end you are the one who is racing and results are yours." Rosberg on being compared to his father, Keke.

"He is the most exciting driver on the track. He digs himself out of some holes that we put him in some times - comes by three places up at the end of the first lap. He is single-minded, chirpy, a little arrogant which is good - he is always very good with the promo people, never an objection, he is very good." Williams team principal Frank Williams.

Trivia
Although his father, former F1 champion Keke Rosberg, is Finnish, Nico, whose mother is German, races under the German flag. He speaks fluent German, English, Italian and French, but does not speak Finnish.

Jo Carter November 2009