Hamilton wins Capital battle; Rosberg grabs maiden crown

Abu Dhabi - It was a bridge too far to cross as Hamilton won the battle but Rosberg won the war

Nico Rosberg crackled on the team radio: "Can I do donuts, guys?" His Mercedes race engineer's reply was quick enough: "You're all good! Go for it!"
Perhaps, the German was just making sure he was on the right side of the rule when it comes to donuts after his compatriot Sebastian Vettel had to pay a hefty fine following the act at the Indian Grand Prix in 2013 which won him a fourth world title.
Nonetheless, it seemed like an all new situation for Rosberg as he had never done it before, never won a Formula One World Championship, until Sunday.
His main Championship rival Lewis Hamilton did all he could to prevent his teammate from usurping his crown as the Briton went on to win a nail-biting Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
But, it was a bridge too far to cross as Hamilton won the battle but Rosberg won the war.
Rosberg finished the thrilling 55-lap Grand Prix, which resembled more of a dog fight, in second place and that podium position was enough for the 31-year-old to become world champion for the first time.
The German strolled past the final corner of the Yas Marina Circuit on his slowing down lap and then did a couple of donuts. He then clambered out of the car and pumped his fist in the air and then kissed the 'bullet-proof' F1 W07 Hybrid/05.
Rosberg became the 32nd world champion in the sport's 67-history and the third German to do so after the legendary Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel. It was his 15th podium of the season and the 57th of his career, one which he will remember for a very long time. He has placed in the top three for all but four races in this 21-race season.
Strikingly, Rosberg joined his father Keke in becoming only the second father-son pairing to win the World Championship. Keke had won the title in 1982 with Williams, to become the sport's 20th champion.
The first father-son duo to achieve the feat was Graham and Damon Hill. Graham won two titles - in 1962 with BRM and then in 1968 with Lotus. His son Damon then went on to win the title in 1996. It was an intense battle in the closing stages of the race with both race leader Hamilton and Rosberg engaged in battle not just on the track but on the team radio with their team.
To retain the World Championship, Hamilton had to not just win the race and hope Rosberg fourth or lower. And it was a quite tense and nervy Mercedes garage with tactics being played out on track with Hamilton slowing down the pace to bring Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel into play.
With 11 laps left, Mercedes told Hamilton, "Okay Lewis we really need to pick up the pace, Vettel an imminent threat."
They were on the radio again and said: Okay Lewis, this is an instruction.we need a 45.1 for the win" to which Hamilton responded by saying: "I suggest you let us race." By Lap 49, Rosberg got on the radio and said: "This is really slow pace." With three laps to go and with Vettel hunting Rosberg down, Mercedes Executive Director (Technical) Paddy Lowe instructed to Hamilton, "Lewis, this is Paddy. We need you to pick up the pace to win this race. That's an instruction."
But Hamilton was not budging as the Briton retorted: "I'm actually in the lead right now, quite comfortable." Another message went with just a lap left for the chequered flag to which Hamilton said: "Right now, I'm losing the World Championship, so not really bothered if I win or lose this race."
james@khaleejtimes.com

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