Abu Dhabi: An excited Nico Rosberg has vowed to treat this weekend’s season-ending Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix “like any other race” as he bids to secure his first Formula One championship title.
But his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, the current three-time world champion, insists he “won’t give up” in his quest to become the first British driver in grand prix history to win four world titles.
The 31-year-old concedes he faces “pretty impossible odds” to achieve this, however, given that he is 12 points drift of Rosberg.
This means the German needs only a top-three finish to clinch his maiden championship, although Hamilton has been in blistering form in winning the last three races.
These included a spectacular display at the rain-hit Brazilian Grand Prix, but Rosberg insists his rival’s brilliance has not unduly affected him.
“Obviously, the result in Brazil wasn’t the one I was going for,” he said. “But Lewis did a great job and second place wasn’t a disaster in the end. 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.”
Rosberg, whose father Keke won the F1 world title 34 years ago, is poised to become only the second son of a champion after Damon Hill to claim motor-racing’s grandest price. He added: “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. I have to treat this like any other race.
“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.”
Hamilton will end the year with more victories and pole positions than Rosberg should he win at the Yas Marina Circuit finale, which takes place on November 27.
“It’s not been a perfect season and I’m faced with pretty impossible odds no matter what I do this weekend. But I can’t and won’t give up. You never know what might happen — however unlikely it may seem. I’ll be proud of myself and what I’ve achieved as long as I feel I’ve given my all and performed at my best.
“And, whatever happens, I’m proud of everyone who’s been a part of the success we’ve shared over the past few years. I’m approaching this weekend the same as I do every race. I want to win and I’ll give it everything to finish the season on a high.”
