Hamilton hopes to end year on a high
TWELVE months ago, Lewis Hamilton was preparing for the most “intense” weekend of his life, punctuated by sleepless nights and unbearable tension.
But with the world championship long since won, today’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix resembles more of a victory parade for Hamilton as he looks to end a dominant season on a high.
After two victories in a row for his teammate, Nico Rosberg, Hamilton is eager to get back to winning ways and sign off 2015 on a strong note.
The three-time champion has hardly seemed bothered by Rosberg’s recent success — bizarrely trumpeted by many as some kind of new dawn — but does not want to finish second three races in a row.
On last season’s nail-biting title decider in Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, Hamilton said: “Last year, this place brought probably the most intense weekend of my life. I didn’t sleep much through nerves and not knowing what was ahead. But this time around there’s no pressure, so I’ll be well rested and aiming to go out on a high.
“A lot of British fans come to Abu Dhabi, so it’s like a home crowd for me. To win for them and show how grateful I am for the fantastic support I’ve had all year would be the best way to end an incredible season.”
Rosberg impressed in Mexico and Brazil, but seems to have found top form exactly when it matters least. A year on from limping home in Abu Dhabi with mechanical problems — perhaps the best opportunity Rosberg will ever have to win a title — the German wants to carry strong momentum into 2016.
“Last year was probably my biggest disappointment — losing the title at the last moment with a mechanical problem,” Rosberg said. “But I showed my speed there with pole position and I have good momentum right now, so I’m aiming to end
Last year, this place brought probably the most intense weekend
the season on a big positive.”
Abu Dhabi marks the last race for this year’s Mercedes, the W06 Hybrid, one of the most dominant cars Formula One has known. In 18 races so far, it has won 15, taking 17 pole positions.
But Toto Wolff, the Mercedes boss, conceded that after two years of comfortably winning both championships, 2016 is the team’s biggest challenge.
“We now go to Abu Dhabi with the best possible championship positions secured and a chance to reflect on an incredible year,” Wolff said. “However, the next challenge will be upon us before we know it — 2016 will undoubtedly be our biggest test yet as a group. We will not back off — and an entertaining battle at the front between our boys for one last time in 2015 will be the ideal way to show that.” — ©