– For only the sixth time in history, the defending Formula 1 World Champion will not line-up on the grid, with Nico Rosberg retiring. Here, GPUpdate.net reflects on the other occasions when the sport did not have its king.1959 – Mike Hawthorn Hawthorn was crowned Britain's first champion in 1958 but immediately announced his retirement. He would not to enjoy a lengthy retirement, though. His health had been deteriorating and he was given a grim prognosis. However, he was killed in January 1959 on the Guildford Bypass, amid suggestions that he had been racing.1971 – Jochen Rindt Rindt had been ascending the ranks throughout the 1960s and finally landed a plum drive with Lotus in...
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