Abu Dhabi: Rosberg hopes Hamilton will succumb to the pressure
Once again on the front line, the two Mercedes drivers will engage in one last battle for the final victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Nico Rosberg hoping that the pressure will catch up to Lewis Hamilton, who does not plan to change his driving style.
In pole position for the last Grand Prix of the season, Nico Rosberg will start with an advantage on the track but a deficit in points in the battle for the title.
The German hopes that the pressure on his teammate will help him in his quest for a first world title: « Of course, I’m counting on the pressure. If Lewis feels the pressure and it results in an error, like today, and somewhat like in Brazil, that’s the opportunity I’m waiting for. I’ve been pushing hard all the time to keep an extremely high level, that’s what I do, and I’ll try to clinch the victory to maintain the pressure. »
He also knows that starting at the front is not everything: « Of course, qualifying was my strength this year, but it’s only half [the job]. It’s Sunday that counts, and that’s what I’ve been trying to improve recently, like at Interlagos where I stepped up a level, and that’s what I need to do tomorrow. »
On Lewis Hamilton’s side, the intention is to act as usual while praising his teammate’s performance: « I am not particularly disappointed. Obviously, you always want to be on pole. I had a good rhythm, especially on the long runs. In Q1 and Q2 it was good, in Q3 I didn’t quite manage to do everything well, it wasn’t a great lap. Nico did a great job but we are still here to win tomorrow. I am moving forward, I will drive as I have always driven. »
The Title Scenarios
Hamilton champion if:
– il termine 1er ou second ;
– il termine 3ème, 4ème ou 5ème et que Rosberg ne gagne pas ;
– il termine 6ème et que Rosberg n’est pas sur le podium ;
– il termine 8ème et que Rosberg est en dehors du top 4 ;
– il termine au mieux 9ème et que Rosberg est en dehors du top 5.
Rosberg champion if:
– il termine 1er et qu’Hamilton ne termine pas 2nd ;
– il termine 2nd et qu’Hamilton est en dehors du top 5 ;
– il termine 3ème et qu’Hamilton est en dehors du top 6 ;
– il termine 4ème et qu’Hamilton est en dehors du top 8 ;
– il termine 5ème et qu’Hamilton est en dehors du top 9.
