The Formula 1 season finale - It's not all about Nico vs Lewis


November 25, 2016
Featured, News
Alexander S


  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
  • Lewis Hamilton Nico Rosberg Mercedes
  • Max Verstappen Sebastian Vettel
  • Formula 1 2016
  • Jenson Button Felipe Massa

The last race of the 2016 Formula 1 World Championship is not all about Nico Rosberg or Lewis Hamilton and their “battle” for the title.

Another not so exciting season ends this weekend at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi and, of course, the battle for the title will be in the focus. The two Mercedes’ drivers already have a long rivalry and probably this is the best opportunity for Rosberg to finally win the title. He has a solid 12 points advantage and needs to be calm and patient, while Hamilton has nothing to lose.

The pressure is on Rosberg

However, Rosberg cannot always cope with pressure and this is the perfect opportunity to show that he is a real champion who probably deserves a trophy as he was on the top of the standings during the season. On the other side, Hamilton has no pressure despite the fact that he is the reigning champion. He can put more pressure on his teammate if he tries to dominate from the start of the weekend, topping all three practice sessions and then pulling out a perfect lap in qualifying. His task to defend the crown won’t be easy at all.

Lewis Hamilton Nico Rosberg Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg crash out of 2016 Spanish Grand Prix

Rosberg will win the title if:

  • He finishes on the podium in Abu Dhabi regardless of where Hamilton finishes
  • He finishes sixth or higher, and Hamilton doesn’t win
  • He finishes eighth or higher, and Hamilton is no higher than third
  • Hamilton finishes fourth or lower regardless of where Rosberg finishes

Hamilton will win the title if:

  • He triumphs, and Rosberg is fourth or lower
  • He finishes second, and Rosberg finishes outside the top six
  • He finishes third, and Rosberg finishes outside the top eight

Verstappen vs Vettel

Only four active drivers have won in Abu Dhabi – Sebastian Vettel (2009, 2010 and 2013), Hamilton (2011, 2014), Kimi Raikkonen (2012) and Rosberg (2015). Only two of those wins came from pole position – Vettel’s in 2010 when he became the youngest champion at the age of 23, and Rosberg’s last year.

Max Verstappen Sebastian Vettel

Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel

The Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo secured the 3rd place in the Drivers’ Championship, while Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen will battle for the 4th position. The Ferrari driver has an advantage of 5 points but the Dutch teenager looks like he is in a better shape and has a good chance to overtake the four-time champion.

The battle for points is the battle for money

Another interesting battle is for the 4th place in the Constructors’ Championship. Probably it sounds strange to say that the battle for the 4th position is important, but considering the prize money, it is actually really important, especially for the team like Force India. Williams is 27 points behind Force India and it looks like the British team doesn’t stand a chance.

Formula 1 2016

Force India is in advantage to Williams

Sauber and Manor are also trying to avoid the last place. The Swiss team scored two points so far, both by Felipe Nasr, while Manor has only one point. Both teams are in a desperate need of money and they will try to do everything to finish in top 10. For the first time since 2009, every team has scored points. Interestingly, Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson, Manor’s Esteban Ocon, as well Haas’ Esteban Gutierrez are the only drivers who still are without points.

Massa and Button will bid farewell to F1

Finally, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the last Formula 1 race for Williams’ Felipe MassaThis will be his 250th start, and also a farewell for the 2009 world champion Jenson Button.

Jenson Button Felipe Massa

Jenson Button and Felipe Massa

Photo: f1fanatic.co.uk theguardian.com independent.co.uk carscoops.com eonsports.com.au

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