Nico Rosberg expressed his relief after claiming a maiden Formula One world title in dramatic fashion with a second-place finish behind team-mate and title rival Lewis Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
A thrilling conclusion to Sunday’s season-ending GP saw race leader Hamilton slow up in an attempt to put Rosberg’s position on the podium in jeopardy – much to the consternation of Mercedes executive director Paddy Lowe, who ordered the Briton to speed up, only to be ignored.
In the final laps of the race, Hamilton was heard to say over team radio: “Right now I’m losing a world championship so I’m not really bothered whether I win or lose this race.”
?”Lewis, this is Paddy. We need you to pick up the pace to win this race”
?”I’m in the lead right now. I’m quite comfortable where I am” pic.twitter.com/CmepAo1Nrn
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 27, 2016
Asked for his thoughts on the podium, Rosberg said: “That was definitely not the most enjoyable race.
“It went nice at the beginning, but was really not very enjoyable those last laps. I’m glad it’s over and unbelievably ecstatic [to be world champion].”
Rosberg and his dad Keke become the second father and son duo to have each claimed F1 world championship crowns, after Graham and Damon Hill.
“I’m very proud, of course, to have done the same feat as my dad achieved,” Nico added.
“It will be exciting to see him.”
Hamilton and Rosberg ultimately congratulated each other and shook hands on the podium, after they had seemingly failed to make eye contact in the weighing room after the race.
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