Keke Rosberg reveals ongoing health struggles and reflects on life changes since the pandemic in a rare interview from Monaco.
One of the drivers who helped build the legend of Formula 1, Keke Rosberg, admits he is not in good health.
The 76-year-old Finn became world champion in 1982, but for a younger audience, he is perhaps best known as the father of Nico Rosberg, who also claimed the title in 2016.
When the correspondent from Finnish magazine Apu arrived at Rosberg’s Monaco apartment for the interview, the receptionist asked whom she was there to see.
“Nico?” she responded, according to the magazine. “No, Keke!”
Indeed, despite having mentored his son Nico into Formula 1 and, before him, Mika Häkkinen, Keke has declined nearly all media invitations in recent years.
He admits he has been in poor health for several years.
“The coronavirus (Covid) period was a bit confusing. I don’t know if it was due to the lockdown or a form of post-Covid illness.”
Rosberg senior acknowledges it has been difficult to accept that “his health is deteriorating.”
“I had a list of things to do. I still have a list, but it’s a list of things that can no longer be done.”
Meanwhile, another former world champion, Jody Scheckter, who won the title in 1979, has revealed he currently cannot drive on public roads due to a lack of an Italian driver’s licence.
The South African, now 75, moved to Italy around 18 months ago and now must retake his driving test.
“I chose Italy as my country; it’s where I want to live for the rest of my life,” said the former Ferrari driver. “The problem is, I speak Italian very poorly. I can’t pass the test.”
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