Rosberg wins F1 Championship

Nico Rosberg has been crowned world champion following a tense and controversial finish to the Formula One season at Abu Dhabi.

Rosberg needed at least a podium place to claim the Drivers' Championship and despite team-mate Lewis Hamilton slowing down as a ploy to keep his chances of the title alive, the Finn secured a second-placed finish.

Hamilton ignored messages from the Mercedes team after it appeared the Englishman tried to back up Rosberg into Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel and responded by saying "I'm losing the world championship, I don't care if l lose the race."

Keke Rosberg and Nico, now become the second father-and-son combination to win world championship titles, after Rosberg Senior completed the feat back in 1982; Graham and Damon Hill were the first to achieve this, with both families winning the title 34 years apart.

Hamilton suggested that he gave everything in the last four races and how he is grateful for all the success.

"I did everything I could these last four races," said Hamilton. "That's all I can really ask of myself. I'll leave here and have a lot of fun tonight, celebrating with the team and everyone. You can't win them all.

"Obviously I had a lot of problems this year so that's inevitably why I'm in this position but I'm still grateful for all the success and ups and downs as a team."

Rosberg was in celebratory mood after he clinched the title and complimented long-time rival Hamilton on a tough season.

"I also want to say congrats to Lewis, you did a great season, a great competitor, massively quick and it was always tough to beat you.

"Guys at Mercedes, please put the music on I'm going to down to see you."

Photo (©Getty Images/Andrej Isak)

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