With the Brazilian Grand Prix now complete, we can see that the World Drivers’ Championship will be determined in the final round of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Although the odds are in Nico Rosberg’s favor, Lewis Hamilton still has an opportunity to take his fourth championship title. Here’s what needs to happen in order for him to get it done in Abu Dhabi.
If Hamilton is able to take the victory in the race, he needs Rosberg to not finish on the podium. If Rosberg is able to get a podium position and his teammate gets the top step, Rosberg will still win the World Drivers’ Championship title. If Rosberg is unable to finish on the podium and his teammate takes the victory, then Hamilton will pass his teammate in the standings and take the title.
If Hamilton falls short of the race victory and finishes in second position, Rosberg needs to finish in P7 or lower in order for the Brit to be crowned the champion. If Rosberg finishes in P7, the championship will end in a tie, in which case the FIA will look at the drivers’ wins. With nine wins each, the FIA will need to look at the second place finishes. This will also be a tie, meaning that the championship will be decided by third place finishes. This will give Hamilton the championship victory.
If Hamilton is only able to get the bottom step of the podium in Abu Dhabi, he will need Rosberg to finish in P8 or lower in order to win the title. In the event that Hamilton is unable to earn a podium position in Abu Dhabi, then Rosberg will take home his first World Drivers’ Championship title.
The pressure will be high in the closing round of the championship, as it won’t be over until it’s over. In the world of Formula One, anything can happen.
