Rosberg vs Hamilton: the peace of the braves, before the final battle!
The final pre-race press conference of the 2016 season took place this Thursday in Abu Dhabi. Here's a look back at the statements made by the two contenders for overall victory.
For once, the traditional Thursday meeting was held in two parts. The first part brought together the two future retirees: Jenson Button and Felipe Massa. Alongside them were Max Verstappen and Felipe Nasr, as well as Kimi Räikkönen. But it is indeed the second part of this conference that interests us here.
Exceptionally, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were placed, alone, at the center of the melee; in front of the journalists present in the Arabian Peninsula. The opportunity to capture through a few shots this moment when the two Mercedes drivers are still in the race for the 2016 drivers’ title.
Press conference with Lewis Hamilton and championship leader Nico Rosberg in Abu Dhabi #F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/EwazoJejS4
— SUTTON IMAGES (@suttonimages) 24 novembre 2016
From then on, it was interesting to listen to the words and observe the body language of the two candidates for the final victory.
Nico Rosberg aims to be above all relaxed… and offensive!
To each his due, the floor was first given to Nico Rosberg, the man in a position of strength. With 367 points on the board and, most importantly, his 12-point lead over Lewis Hamilton, the dream is attainable. So, is the stress mounting for the former Williams driver? For him, the past is above all an asset.
The experience of 2014 truly helps me. I feel more relaxed before this final than I had been then. »
It should be remembered, Nico Rosberg had already competed for the world champion title against his teammate. But at the time, he was the hunter and not the hunted: he was 17 points behind, in a situation, it must be said, where the points were doubled during the last race. On pole on Saturday, he was gradually let down by his car on Sunday, suffering from a progressive power loss.
So, could such a situation happen to Lewis Hamilton this time?
In any case, the German above all wants to focus on his own performance.
«I am primarily focused on myself this weekend. I am fully dedicated to the work at hand. » With 9 victories to his credit, number 6 is actually having his best personal season (5 victories in 2014, 6 in 2015, with two fewer races on the schedule, it is true).
Despite this, it seems that there is a little something lacking to fully legitimize Nico Rosberg’s crown. Even though he notably showed strong resistance in Singapore, with one less pit stop than Daniel Ricciardo, who finished right on his tail.
Singapore was a real highlight for me this season. It’s truly a race that I will look back on fondly when everything is over.
But obviously, if Nico Rosberg appears more calculating than spectacular on track, he will be there to put on a show in Abu Dhabi. After all, the best way not to overthink is to win the sunset race.
« I’m here to win, I know I have the car to win, so that’s my goal!
The most important thing in this situation is to achieve the best performance possible. I need to keep it simple and not start thinking about what might happen if…
Lewis Hamilton’s Relativism
Two years ago, almost to the day, the British driver clinched his second Formula 1 World Championship title, the first for Mercedes. This year, the setting remains the same but the context changes radically: Lewis Hamilton does not have his destiny in his own hands to clinch the ultimate prize.
To witness the fourth personal title of the driver trained by McLaren, one would have to hope for a turnaround. The first scenario – the most obvious one – would be a victory for Hamilton combined with a podium finish for both Red Bull drivers. Pushed back to fourth position, Rosberg would then lose the lead to his benefit!
But beyond the scenarios or even the numerous breakdowns faced by number 44 this season: the track in the United Arab Emirates will have to be tackled.
« If I’m in front, I want to be as far ahead as possible. Generally, no other tactic comes to mind, no matter the situation.
But my only goal this weekend is to win the race.
Paradoxically, difficulty and adversity also reveal great champions. For Hamilton, this year has not been easy: the engine failure at the Malaysian Grand Prix is a strong example of his season.
2016 was not a great year for me, but there were still positive things! It also shows me that anything can happen.
With 25 points lost and even more (the additional 3 points Rosberg would have lost by slipping from third to fourth place), the Sepang example clearly shows that the journalists’ questions would be different in Abu Dhabi this Thursday if things had gone in the right direction.
But number 44 has above all taken a lofty perspective on his fate:
« There were times this season when I was so far down that I thought it was impossible. I am proud of the way I fought. I learned a lot and also grew this year. »
« It’s important for me to remember the negative races: it helps to appreciate the victories. There have been a few this season… »
Indeed, even if Hamilton sees his teammate take the title for the first time in Formula 1, he will have some fond memories. The Briton reached his milestone of 44 victories in Monaco at the end of May, with a torrential and rainy weather…
« My highlight for me was Monaco. Winning there with those conditions… »
Thus, Hamilton promises: if he doesn’t turn the tide in Abu Dhabi, he won’t spend his winter brooding over the troubles of this year 2016.
When this season ends, I will look forward. I don’t want to dwell on the past.
“The Entente Cordiale”
Beyond the issue that monopolized the questions, journalists also took the opportunity to discuss the state of their relationship, as the two drivers compete for the third consecutive year at the top of Formula 1.
And (surprisingly?), despite the crashes, despite the heavy rivalry, the two drivers exchanged various pleasantries!
As a challenger, Lewis Hamilton has buried the hatchet to praise Nico Rosberg and their partnership!
«We had a great relationship when we were teenagers. Life is different now, but we have lots of good times together.
We have had ups and downs since, but we managed to handle them. I am proud of him and happy for him and his family.
They were once close friends – and @LewisHamilton says he is “proud” of @nico_rosberg ahead of the #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1Finale pic.twitter.com/GT75GxJ7UK
— Formula 1 (@F1) 24 novembre 2016
Same sentiment for Nico Rosberg, who nevertheless spent two years under the domination of the Englishman. Although he is now just a few steps away from enjoying a spot in the limelight, he still preferred not to provoke backlash with a shocking statement.
« We still have the same mutual respect as at the beginning of our careers. I have a lot of respect for Lewis both inside and outside the car. »
Thus, these remarks seem quite surprising after the psychological battle between the two men. As recently as this year, Rosberg and Hamilton collided on the track, in Barcelona but especially in Spielberg, during the last lap of the Austrian Grand Prix. But didn’t the Mercedes management intervene by sending the message to its two drivers to compete, above all in respect of the rules, on and off the track? It’s about the image of the Brackley firm and more generally the company with the Star.
So, will Keke Rosberg’s son manage to become the 33rd driver crowned World Champion?
Where will Lewis Hamilton achieve the impossible: reclaim the crown at the twilight of the 2016 season? Find out this Sunday around 3:30 PM, French time…
