Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg is going into the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the yas Marina Circuit this coming weekend with the intention of walking away as the 2016 Formula One World Champion. The German was hoping to win last time out in Brazil because by doing so, he would have be crowned champion with one race remaining.
However, the weather and his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, had other ideas, so now Nico heads into the season finale 12 points in the lead.
Therefore, even if his teammate wins the race, all Nico needs to do is come second and the championship is still his, so the odds are he will be victorious by the end of the 55 lap race. Despite the mathematics in play here, Nico doesn't want to do things by half and is planning on taking the crown with one final win for 2016.
“Obviously, the result in Brazil wasn't the one I was going for. But Lewis did a great job and second place wasn't a disaster in the end,” Nico said. “I'm looking forward now to Abu Dhabi. It feels great to be in the World Championship battle with Lewis for a third year in a row. I will give it everything to end the season with a win.”
“I've had a great week, relaxing and catching up with my family and friends, so I feel like I'm in a good place. In Brazil, after the race, I was joking that I would still be taking things one race at a time. But, the more I think about it, the more that's actually not as crazy as it sounds.”
So is the pressure mounting? Of course it is, but the plan is not to let it affect him and treat the coming weekend just like any other….
“I have to treat this like any other race. Doing a good job on a Grand Prix weekend is always a challenge,” he added. “Nothing in this sport is easy, so this won't be any different and I still have to go all out for a good result. I have great memories from winning at this track last year and it's somewhere I've usually been strong in the past, so I have every reason to feel confident. The closer it gets, the more I'm feeling excited. It will be a big battle and hopefully the fans will get a great show to end the year.”
