This weekend’s decisive Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is being billed as the ‘duel in the desert’, and for Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton it all comes down to the final race of the season. With Nico leading the race for the Drivers’ Championship by 12 points he undoubtedly enters the race as favourite, but you’d have to be a lot braver than us to write off Lewis Hamilton! So with everything still to play for, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix..
Pole position means nothing
In seven races, only two drivers have won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from pole position: Sebastian Vettel in 2010 and Nico Rosberg in 2015. Starting from the front of the grid doesn’t always guarantee top spot on the podium.
Rosberg doesn’t need to win
That’s right, if Lewis fails to finish higher than fourth, Nico could come last or not finish at all and still win the title. We don’t think he’ll be taking any chances though..
Hamilton does need to win
One thing that’s for sure is that Lewis needs to finish the race ahead of his Mercedes team mate. If he finishes first Nico needs to finish third or higher, which is probably the Brits best chance of winning the title. It’s all pretty complicated but this handy table covers all outcomes.
Both drivers know how to win in Abu Dhabi..
Both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have won in the Abu Dhabi desert. Last year it was Nico who took the chequered flag, while Lewis claimed victory in 2011 and 2014. Here’s hoping he can add 2016 to that list.
But Hamilton has history on his side
In 2014 Lewis claimed his second Drivers’ Championship in Abu Dhabi, and he’s got a history of leaving things late. Who could forget his first World Championship win in 2008 when he left it until the last lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix, passing Timo Glock on the final corner to seal the championship. Scenes!
Lewis has a 20% chance of winning the title
Admittedly maths isn’t our strong point, but after crunching the numbers and factoring in all the possible outcomes, we’ve worked out that Lewis has roughly a 20% chance of claiming his fourth world title. We knew that maths GCSE would come in handy one day!
With so many variables, let’s face it almost anything could happen this weekend but we’re guaranteed a great race whatever the outcome. So strap yourself in for some serious fun because this one’s going down to the wire!