Lewis Hamilton snared pole for Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but there was still a glint of destiny in the eyes of Nico Rosberg. Hamilton’s celebrations were more subdued than normal. Rosberg is the overwhelming championship favourite – the German needs to finish in the top three to secure his first title, as he has a lead of 12 points going into the last race of the year.
Rain is unusual in these desert parts so the X factor that spiced up the last race in Brazil two weeks ago is unlikely to play a part. Instead, Hamilton, three times a world champion, must hope that his German rival has some of the bad luck that has largely sabotaged his own season. That , however, seems unlikely, too.
Related: Will Lewis Hamilton play the game and back Nico Rosberg into Red Bulls? | Johnny Herbert
Related: Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: how friendship turned to fiercest of rivalries | Paul Weaver
Related: F1’s age of chivalry, when drivers gave up cars for others, is a distant dream | Richard Williams
Continue reading...