Abu Dhabi 2016 F1 Grand Prix: Hamilton vs Rosberg

1.1934217-1462010003 — Niko Rosberg with his team mate Lewis Hamilton at the 2015 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina circuit Image Credit: GN Archives

Abu Dhabi: The Formula 1 weekend is upon us finally and fans in the UAE say they can’t wait for what is going to be the closest title showdown in four years. In 2012, Sebastian Vettel finished sixth in the season-ending race in Brazil but clinched the Driver’s Championship by finishing just three points above Fernando Alonso.

This time only 12 points separate the Championship leader Nico Rosberg and three-time winner Lewis Hamilton as they head to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While many are rooting for the Briton who won in the capital in 2011 and 2014, others are desperate to see history unfold when the chequered flag goes off under lights at the stunning Yas Marina Circuit Sunday evening.

As things stand, Rosberg, who missed out on the top spot in the previous two seasons finishing runner-up to Hamilton, needs just a third place finish or better to clinch his maiden F1 championship - something many UAE fans believe is very likely.

New champion

“It’s very much on the cards for him (Rosberg) going by how he has driven this season and the last two. I want him to win because it would be exciting to see the rise of a new champion here in Abu Dhabi,” said Jason, 16, from Dubai who will be attending the race on Sunday.

Interestingly, Rosberg’s win will not only make him the 33rd drivers’ champion in history of the sport but also the second in his family after his father Keijo Erik Rosberg or Keke who won the world championship in 1982. “It will be such a nice story and for all of it to happen here in the UAE would be amazing,” said Hicham, 33, another enthusiast readying for the race.

However after Hamilton’s scintillating victory in the season’s penultimate race, the Brazilian GP earlier this month and given his track-record at Yas Marina, many reckon it will not be easy for the German. “Hamilton is not going to make it any easier for Rosberg and after his stunning victory just a fortnight ago in Brazil in wet conditions, I am confident that he will be fired up for more here but overall I am hiping to see a race I haven’t ever seen,” said Abu Dhabi-based Briton Alex S. who will also be attending the final showdown of the longest season in history.In a box:

Nico Rosberg

Age:31

Nationality: German

Team: Mercedes

Car number: 6

Championships: 0

Wins: 23

Podiums: 56

Pole positions: 30

First entry: 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix

2015 position: 2nd (322 pts)

Lewis Hamilton