Nico Rosberg recently recounted a striking childhood incident involving Lewis Hamilton that highlighted how daring and reckless the future Formula 1 champion was as a youngster. During a jet ski outing on vacation, Hamilton suffered a significant injury after attempting a risky stunt, an episode Rosberg vividly remembers from their youth.
Rosberg and Hamilton, once close friends during their early karting careers, later became intense rivals as teammates at Mercedes. Despite their contrasting backgrounds—Rosberg being the son of 1982 F1 World Champion Keke Rosberg and Hamilton’s father juggling multiple jobs to fund his son’s racing ambitions—their youthful bond was marked by shared adventures and fearless exploits.
Childhood Jet Ski Adventures and Accidents
Rosberg described a particularly dangerous moment while they were jet skiing, which ended with Hamilton injuring himself. On a vacation together, the two were riding the same jet ski when they crashed hard, with Rosberg flying off after a severe impact. Later, riding separate stand-up jet skis, Hamilton launched off a large wave caused by a ferry but failed to slow down. He came crashing down violently onto his jet ski, splitting his chin open and becoming semi-conscious on the water.
Rosberg rushed to check on Hamilton, noting the severity of the injury and the reckless nature of his friend’s behavior.
“Lewis was proper nuts, he was nuts completely!”
Rosberg said during an interview on Sky TV. He added,
“I remember once we went jet-skiing together. I was on the back of him on the same jet-ski. I had such a big shunt, I flew off in the biggest way.”
He recalled watching Hamilton take off from the ferry wave without hesitation, flying impressively high before the harsh landing.
“He came crashing down and knocked open his chin when he smacked down on the jet-ski as he landed. So he was lying there half-unconscious! I had to go and check that he was okay. His chin was cut open.”
Reflecting on the fearless act, he concluded, “Complete nutcase…”
From Friendship to Fierce Rivalry on the F1 Grid
Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013, reuniting with Rosberg, but their relationship shifted dramatically as competition for the Formula 1 World Championship intensified. The rivalry peaked during the 2016 season, culminating in a dramatic crash at the Spanish Grand Prix that eliminated both drivers from the race. Rosberg ultimately clinched his first and only world title that year before retiring shortly after.
Though their competitive history was intense, Rosberg continues to engage with the sport as a commentator for Sky TV, offering insights on current F1 affairs. When asked if overcoming Hamilton made his championship victory more satisfying, Rosberg confirmed this was a significant factor:
“That was a big part of it, for sure. You are right, in that sense.”
Current Dynamics Between Rosberg and Hamilton
Despite their turbulent rivalry, Rosberg indicated there is no deep-rooted bitterness between them today. Living in the same building in Monaco, they occasionally see each other and maintain a civil relationship.
“We live in the same building, so we catch up from time to time,”
he shared.
“We have a very nice and mutual relationship now.”
However, veteran commentator Martin Brundle humorously cast doubt on the warmth of that relationship, questioning if it was truly
“a very nice and mutual relationship.”
Rosberg lightly dismissed the probing by responding, “Moving on…”
The interview also revealed a quirky detail about their trust: Hamilton used to store his safe in Rosberg’s Monaco apartment. Rosberg joked about the situation, saying,
“I was considering whether I should forget where I put it, when he next asked! But then I did give it back!”
Enduring Impact of Their Shared History
The story of Lewis Hamilton’s childhood jet ski stunt provides a revealing glimpse into the fearless personality that helped shape his racing career. His audaciousness as a child foreshadowed the boldness that would define him on the track. Meanwhile, Rosberg’s perspective sheds light on the complicated bond between two of Formula 1’s most notable rivals.
Their ongoing interactions in Monaco suggest that although the intense competition once drove a wedge between them, time has softened their connection into one of mutual respect amid unresolved tension. As both remain influential figures in the Formula 1 world, their history continues to captivate fans and observers alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton vegan?
A. Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton is openly a fan of veganism. He also invests in plant-based businesses.
Q. Why did Lewis Hamilton quit?
A. Hamilton is said to have switched from Mercedes to Ferrari because Ferrari gave him a longer contract and higher pay. Additionally, he hadn’t won any races in 2022 or 2023, so he aimed to boost his career with the new team.
Q. Why is Lewis Hamilton so rich?
A. At the same time, Forbes recognized him as one of the top-earning athletes in 2025, with total earnings of $80 million. His income increased after he joined Scuderia Ferrari, which is Formula 1’s oldest and most successful team, and through his ambassador roles with Lululemon and Dior.
Q. Why did Lewis Hamilton leave F1?
A. He hoped to keep driving longer than we were ready to allow. He wished to continue at Ferrari, which is a big goal for him. Besides racing, he is also influencing the sport and promoting diversity in it.