Lewis Hamilton, a 53rd victory for nothing.<\/b><\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n
\u00ab 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! \u00bb<\/p>\n
\nWhat more can you say about this guy…<\/p>\n
A fighter to the last<\/p>\n
A Champion, always \ud83d\udc4a<\/p>\n
What a battle from 4\ufe0f\u20e34\ufe0f\u20e3 #F1Finale<\/a> #AbuDhabiGP<\/a> #F1<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tlmxXrCCeK<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 27 novembre 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Nico joins Keke in the pantheon!<\/b><\/p>\n
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: \u00ab It wasn’t the most exciting race of my entire career! It was more than hell today! \u00bb<\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n
\nTHE CROWD SURFING CHAMPION!!!! #F1Finale<\/a> #AbuDhabiGP<\/a> #F1<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tPJOClPPXR<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 27 novembre 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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: \u00ab 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! \u00bb<\/p>\n
Danke Mama und Papa \u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/2h9qZLbjve \u2014 Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) 27 novembre 2016<\/p>\n
In passing, he made sure to congratulate his season-long rival, despite this final epic race: \u00ab 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. \u00bb<\/p>\n
Vettel, respectful third<\/b><\/p>\n
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: \u00ab 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! \u00bb<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\nSebastian Vettel poses for a selfie with the 2016 #F1<\/a> World Champion @nico_rosberg<\/a>.#AbuDhabiGP<\/a> \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddea #F1<\/a> #Seb5<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/HjhjNQ1oK9<\/a><\/p>\n