Rosberg takes the 2016 Formula 1 Driver’s Championship
The 2016 F1 World Driver’s Championship has reached its final showdown in Abu Dhabi.
Title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg knew full well what they had to do to take the title. Lewis had to win the race. There were no ifs and buts, anything less and he loses the championship. Nico, with 12 point lead in hand, just had to finish on the podium regardless of what his teammate does, and the crown is his. Hamilton got down to the business at hand during qualifying. The Brit snatched pole from his teammate to ensure he would stay clear of the carnage behind him–that is, if he gets a good start off the line.
Rosberg tried his best to get P1 but Hamilton was just too fast, the German had no option but to settle for second on the grid. Despite this, Nico was a picture of calm and confidence during the the pre-race interviews. It was evident Rosberg fancied his chances of being the 2016 F1 champ.
At the start, both Mercedes cars rocketed off the grid to lead everyone in the run to turn one. Eagle-eyed viewers noticed that Rosberg didn’t mount a challenge or even try to block his rivals. Nico had to stay out of trouble to win, and he knew it.
As the race progressed, Hamilton was virtually unchallenged, lap after lap. His all-powerful Mercedes was unmatched, unlike Nico, who had to fend off the challenges from both the Ferraris and Red Bulls. After all the requisite pit stops were done, it was evident that Lewis would win the race, but Rosberg, by finishing second, will take his first ever championship.
With about 10 laps to go, Hamilton knew he had to slow down and block Rosberg, to possibly allow the rest of the field to catch Rosberg and have a chance to overtake him. This didn’t go down well in the Mercedes camp. Even with an order to speed up from Paddy Lowe, Lewis was lapping nine seconds off his pole setting time. But in the end, none among Verstappen ,Vettel, or Raikkonen could derail Rosberg from claiming his first F1World Driver’s Title.
Lewis took the checkered flag to the delight of his fan, but all the cheers were for Nico. The #6 car crossed the line in second place followed by Sebastian Vettel in third. After all the congratulatory remarks, praises and handshakes, Nico Rosberg stood on the podium as the new F1 World Champion.
Nico Rosberg now joins an elite club of F1 champions which includes his father Keke (1982). The Rosbergs are are now the second father-son F1 champions, following Damon (1996) and Graham Hill (1962 and 1968).
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