Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg: how friendship turned to fiercest of rivalries | Paul Weaver


The F1 title contenders were teenage friends but on the track theirs has become one of the sport’s spikiest duels, comparable to Prost-Senna or Mansell-Piquet

The destination of the 2016 Formula One world championship has already been decided in the uncompromising mind of Lewis Hamilton. The final, title-deciding race of the season here on Sunday, which has brought an international media circus to this gaudy oasis in the desert of the United Arab Emirates, is but a backdrop to his remarkable self-belief.

Whatever happens here – and Rosberg, with a 12-point lead, has only to finish in the top three to secure his first world crown – Hamilton will still be champion in his own unfaltering eyes. “Maybe I should keep this private to myself, but I feel a certain way in my heart,” he said here. “How I have performed. And if he is labelled the world champion it doesn’t necessarily mean that is the way it is in my heart.”

Related: Lewis Hamilton holds fire on Mercedes’ decision to swap mechanics

They would even have races to eat pizza, always eating two at a time

Related: F1’s age of chivalry, when drivers gave up cars for others, is a distant dream | Richard Williams

Continue reading...