Nico Rosberg: the pride of a new world champion!
A few minutes ago, the German driver became Formula 1 World Champion. Find out the first reactions of the top 3 of this final race, from David Coulthard on the Abu Dhabi podium.
Lewis Hamilton, a 53rd victory for nothing.
The Brit knew he was destined for a feat to turn things around and claim a new Drivers’ Championship title. Unfortunately for him, Nico Rosberg didn’t falter from his second place. The former McLaren driver tried everything, even slowing down in the winding sections of the circuit to provoke a beneficial regrouping. The day’s winner therefore had to contain his disappointment to express his very first thought at the end of the champagne ceremony:
« I want to start by thanking everyone in the stands. Thank you to my family, especially the team for doing such a great job. I’m impressed! Congratulations to Nico, the new world champion: great job man! »
What more can you say about this guy…
A fighter to the last
A Champion, always 👊
What a battle from 4️⃣4️⃣ #F1Finale #AbuDhabiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/tlmxXrCCeK
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 27 novembre 2016
Nico joins Keke in the pantheon!
This grand finale of the season did not spare the nerves of the title race favorite. His position in the championship allowed him to settle for one of the two remaining spots on the podium. He narrowly resisted the trap set by Hamilton: « It wasn’t the most exciting race of my entire career! It was more than hell today! »
His race was also marked by a hard-fought passing maneuver against Verstappen. The German could have also lost a lot at that moment. But luckily for him, everything turned out well in the end: the long-awaited crown is now his! He could then let his joy explode with his engineers as soon as he stepped out of the car:
THE CROWD SURFING CHAMPION!!!! #F1Finale #AbuDhabiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/tPJOClPPXR
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 27 novembre 2016
The emotion was therefore inevitably present, with the new world champion comparing himself notably to his father, who was crowned at the end of the 1982 season: « I am happy that it is over: I am absolutely thrilled! This title is also for my wife. I am very proud to accomplish the same thing as my father. I can’t wait to meet him! »
Danke Mama und Papa ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/2h9qZLbjve — Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) 27 novembre 2016
In passing, he made sure to congratulate his season-long rival, despite this final epic race: « I want to offer my congratulations to Lewis for his efforts. You had an amazing season, you are a great competitor. It’s always tight competing against you, you were fast all season, as always. »
Vettel, respectful third
Finally, let’s not forget Sebastian Vettel, happily in third place after two great overtakes on the track against the Red Bull drivers. The four-time world champion gave a rather surprising analysis of his almost duel with Rosberg’s Mercedes, which finished just ahead of him: « Congratulations to Nico. It was a very tight race! I didn’t want to be on Nico’s tail. I tried to get closer and overtake both at once! »
This initial reaction from the Ferrari driver is ultimately quite interesting. Sebastian Vettel did attempt to overtake Rosberg, but his approach was marked by a certain level of caution. The driver with the number 5 did not want to take unnecessary risks, respecting the new Formula 1 World Champion more than expected.
Sebastian Vettel poses for a selfie with the 2016 #F1 World Champion @nico_rosberg.#AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1 #Seb5 pic.twitter.com/HjhjNQ1oK9
— Sebastian Vettel #5 (@sebvettelnews) 27 novembre 2016
Anyway, stay tuned to our site to discover the main statements from the actors of this grand finale, especially those from a certain Mercedes garage, which will have sent explicit radio messages to Lewis Hamilton towards the end of the race.
