South African F1 fans clamber for Rosberg's vacant Mercedes seat

Cape Town - Earlier in December the Mercedes Formula 1 team posted a tongue-in-cheek advertisement for 2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg's vacant seat. 

The F1 world was caught off guard when the German announced his shock retirement on December 2, only five days after capturing his maiden F1 crown. 

The advertisement which you can view here, lists many responsibilities including providing feedback on the car's set-up, identifying strengths and weaknesses in rivals and showing a calm head when under media scrutiny. 

The perks? "a generous bonus, life assurance, Mercedes-Benz company car, private medical aid and an on-site gym." 

Readers respond

We asked our readers if they were capable of filling the big shoes left by Rosberg, this is what they said:

Codi Davids - 

I am 21-years-old and I'm obsessed with driving. I've been attending races since a child because my cousin use to race in the gp circuit at kayalami. 

As well as my girlfriend's cousin is a f1 journalist so he has good connections. 

I would be the perfect driver for Mercedes and is my dream to drive the Mercedes C63 AMG

Hope to hear from you. 

Sibusiso Mkize - 

God blessed me with one skill and that is to drive. It would be a great pleasure to drive for Mercedes, given a chance, I will make the whole team proud.

Tshilidzi Joshua - 

I am Joshua. ..and I have passion to see myself driving for a big company like mercedes-benz. ..and I will appreciate it to hear from you.

Mavhivha Mukwevho - 

I have a great interest on driving for benz may you please assist with application forms.

Ernst Le Roux - 

I want that job! I am surely very highly qualified as I've been driving in Bloemfontein for 41 years... with no accidents. In Bloem it's like driving blindfolded in Calcutta! You develop a razor sharp 6th sense avoiding collisions. 

Would you apply for #NicoRosberg's vacant #F1 seat at Mercedes?

— Wheels24 (@Wheels24) December 13, 2016