The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix started off like any other Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It was dull, lifeless, and filled with shots of the scenery and disinterested celebrities. The only thing worth talking about was how terrible a venue it is for the last race of the season.
Yas Marina Circuit is the worst thing ever to happen to #F1.#AbuDhabiGP
— Duncan Stephen (@vee8) November 27, 2016
But then, something started happening. Vettel somehow got himself onto a strategy that could threaten the race winners. He pitted for super soft tyres and was way quicker than the leaders.
On top of that, Rosberg and Verstappen were catching Hamilton and despite the Brit saying before the race that he wouldn’t back up Rosberg into the pack… he backed Rosberg into the pack.
Grandstand finish coming up, with the title on the line at the #AbuDhabiGP. Follow it LIVE >> https://t.co/07JDjIDTFy pic.twitter.com/hjcZly8b7I
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 27, 2016
Hamilton knew he needed Rosberg behind Vettel and Verstappen and was almost cruising in the final few laps to keep the top four within just a couple of seconds.
Fans were going nuts, and so were Mercedes, who were not happy with Hamilton’s tactics.
📻”Lewis, this is Paddy. We need you to pick up the pace to win this race”
📻”I’m in the lead right now. I’m quite comfortable where I am” pic.twitter.com/CmepAo1Nrn
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 27, 2016
It was all in vain though as Rosberg remained in second, enough for the German to claim his first world championship.
The podium was unsurprisingly pretty awkward and Rosberg admitted those final laps were not very enjoyable at all…
HAM: “I just want to say thanks to the team and my family. And congratulations to Nico – the new world champion” #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/dyOyQh6gCQ
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 27, 2016
ROS: “That was not the most enjoyable race I’ve had! I’m glad it’s over and am absolutely ecstatic. The win was for my wife” #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/1DKEXYJUBC
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 27, 2016
Regardless of who you support, it was one incredible way to end the world championship and kept our hearts pumping to the very last lap of the race.