Keke Rosberg, the 1982 Formula 1 world champion, carries a legacy etched in speed, grit, and triumph.
But at 76, the Finnish racing legend, father to 2016 champion Nico Rosberg, now faces a far more personal battle – not against other drivers, but against his own deteriorating health brought on by long Covid.
In a deeply moving interview with Finnish magazine Apu, the former Williams charger offered a rare glimpse into his current struggles in his everyday life with a candor that mirrors the mettle he once showed behind the wheel.
The Unseen Enemy: Long Covid
Keke’s racing career was marked by an astonishing feat: he never sustained a scratch or injury, despite the high-speed risks of motor racing in the 1970s and 80s, especially for a driver who always appeared on the ragged edge.
Yet, the invisible scars of Long Covid, a relentless shadow cast by the global pandemic, have reshaped his life in ways he never anticipated.
" -corona period was a bit confusing as to whether this was caused by isolation, or whether there was some kind of post-corona disease when there was a lack of energy,” he explained in an interview with Finnish publication Apu.
The fatigue, the fog, the persistent drain on his vitality – these are not opponents he can outmaneuver like he once did on the track.
Long Covid remains a mystery, even to medical experts, and Keke’s frustration echoes the experiences of countless others.
"Understanding of this Long Covid is still at zero level. There are a huge number of people who suffer badly from it," he said.
The condition has sapped his energy, forcing him to confront limitations he never imagined in his racing days.
A Life Constrained
Age and illness have intertwined, narrowing the scope of Keke’s once-boundless world. The man who roared to victory in 1982 with Williams, clinching the championship with just a single race win, now faces a quieter, more confined existence.
He spoke with a poignant mix of resignation and reflection: "I used to have a list of things that still need to be done. I still have one now, but it's a list of things that can't be done anymore,” he said, speaking with a poignant mix of resignation and reflection.
Keke’s health challenges extend beyond fatigue. He recently underwent specialized treatment for eye issues, a reminder that his body, once a finely tuned machine, now requires careful maintenance.
Living in Monaco, close to Nico, he finds solace in family, but the physical constraints weigh heavily on a man once accustomed to pushing limits.
A Career of Grit and Glory
Keke’s path to F1 glory was anything but conventional. He didn’t step into the sport until 1978, at the age of 29, driving for smaller teams like Theodore, ATS, and Wolf.
Later, he joined Fittipaldi Automotive, led by the Fittipaldi brothers, but found little success. His breakthrough came in 1982 when he replaced Alan Jones at Williams.
Against the odds, Keke seized the championship in his first season with the team, a feat that defined his career. That single race win, paired with relentless consistency, secured his place in history.
Yet, for all his achievements, Keke’s proudest moment wasn’t his own triumph. It was watching Nico, his son, claim the 2016 F1 world championship after a fierce battle with Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Read also: Rosberg suggests 'aging' Hamilton may have lost his edge"The biggest thing was definitely Nico's championship," Keke said. "For me, that championship was just one milestone. For Nico, it wasn't like that. It was an important event.
“It was already a pretty big event in terms of family history. My championship in the family was mostly of interest to my father and mother."
In Nico’s victory, Keke saw a legacy extended, a shared dream realized across generations.
A Father’s Shock and Respect
Nico’s triumph was monumental, but what followed caught Keke off guard. Just days after defeating Hamilton, Nico announced his retirement, a decision that stunned the racing world – and his father.
Keke recalled the moment with raw emotion.
"He didn't say anything. Nico sent a text to his mother and said to tell his father later. It felt like a big fist to the diaphragm."
The suddenness of it, the weight of Nico’s choice to step away at the peak of his career, hit Keke hard. He understood the reasoning, though.
"Nico knew that if he started discussing it with me, then of course his father's opinion might be quite weighty, which he didn't want to listen to. That decision was difficult enough anyway," he admitted.
Keke’s words reveal a father’s love, tempered by respect for his son’s independance. He didn’t try to sway Nico, recognizing the courage it took to walk away from the sport that had defined their family. In that moment, Keke’s pride in Nico’s independence shone through, even as it came with a pang of loss.
Enduring with Grace
Today, Long Covid may have slowed down Keke Rosberg, but it hasn’t dimmed his spirit. He faces his health struggles with the same determination that once propelled him to the top of motrsport’s pyramid.
His story is one of triumphs – on the track, in the heart of a father, and now in the quiet courage of living with limitations. Through it all, Keke remains a champion, not just of Formula 1, but of a life lived with grit, grace, and an enduring love for his family.
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