2016 F1 Round 21 Abu Dhabi GP Race, Hamilton Wins the Finale as Rosberg Becomes World Champion

The 2016 season finale was held over 55 laps at Yas Marina Circuit. Hamilton led from pole position with Rosberg close behind, taking the drivers’ championship battle all the way to the finish line.

Archive image of the finish of the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Mercedes drivers held the top two positions after the start, while Räikkönen passed Ricciardo for third. Rosberg kept second, knowing that a podium finish would secure the championship.

Hamilton controlled the pace but did not increase it as the team requested. He deliberately allowed the chasing drivers to close on Rosberg, putting the title battle under greater pressure in the second half of the race.

Verstappen spun at Turn 1 after light contact with Hülkenberg on the opening lap, dropping to the back of the field. Red Bull then switched him to a one-stop strategy. He gradually recovered positions and rejoined the podium battle in the closing stages.

Vettel used fresher supersoft tyres to close on the cars ahead and join the fight for a podium finish. Hamilton continued to slow the pace, but Rosberg withstood the pressure to keep second.

Hamilton won the race ahead of Rosberg and Vettel, with Verstappen fourth and Ricciardo fifth. Less than two seconds covered the top four at the finish.

Rosberg won the world championship by finishing at the top of the season standings, five points ahead of Hamilton. He became the second member of the Rosberg family, after his father, to win the F1 drivers’ title.

Hamilton took victory in the season finale, while Rosberg held second to secure his first drivers’ championship. The slow pace and late challenges kept the title outcome in suspense until the chequered flag.