F1 Legend Faces Tough Battle with Serious Health Issues

Keke Rosberg, the 1982 Formula 1 champion, has revealed that he is dealing with major health problems. The Finnish racing legend shared that long-term effects from Covid-19 and declining eyesight have greatly changed his life.

Rosberg, now 76, has not attended a grand prix for several years. He quietly stepped away from the public side of F1 not long after his son Nico joined Mercedes in 2010.

In an interview with the Finnish magazine APU, Rosberg explained he retired from the spotlight because he felt his presence in Formula 1 had come to a natural end. He said his continued involvement mostly led to questions about his son, and he no longer felt he belonged in the paddock.

After leaving, he became somewhat of a recluse, focusing on private life away from the racing world. Despite a successful career with five grand prix victories and a world title, he sees his son’s 2016 drivers’ championship as the highlight of the family’s racing history.

The Covid-19 pandemic brought more challenges for Rosberg. He caught Covid in 2020 and continues to experience lingering symptoms known as long Covid.

Rosberg said much about long Covid remains unclear, but it has left him with very low energy most days. He used to keep a list of tasks that needed doing but now admits that list contains things he may never complete.

The sense of isolation during the pandemic only made these problems harder to manage. Rosberg has also seen his eyesight decline, adding to the difficulties he faces.

He recently visited a specialist to address his vision problems, hoping to find helpful treatments. At the same time, he has accepted that many aspects of his health are unlikely to improve.

For fans, news of Rosberg’s private health battle is a sad update for the former champion, who once dominated circuits across the world.

Nico Rosberg, Keke’s son, followed his father’s path to Formula 1 success by winning his own world championship in 2016 with Mercedes after defeating Lewis Hamilton that season. The Rosberg family remains a notable part of F1 history with two generations of world champions.

While Keke’s days at the top of racing are behind him, his achievements remain respected throughout the paddock. Recent seasons in Formula 1 have brought new stories, rivalries, and technical changes.

Names like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell now lead the fight for race victories. Keke’s absence from the grand prix scene has been felt, especially as fans reflect on the sport’s changing landscape.

For those who followed his career, Rosberg’s ongoing struggle with health problems is a reminder of the challenges athletes may face after retiring from the spotlight. Fans also watch emerging narratives like the F1 flexi wing Spanish GP that shape the current season.

Moreover, concerns similar to those once voiced by drivers such as Carlos Sainz about Monaco can now be seen affecting the strategies and fears of present-day competitors.