The National’s Sport cover for the Monday, November 10 issue, featuring Nico Rosberg after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Rosberg is now just 17 points off Lewis Hamilton in the F1 drivers’ standings, meaning November 23’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will see out an even tighter title deciding race.
Writes Gary Meenaghan: "And so it is confirmed. The Formula One circus will arrive at Yas Marina Circuit later this month with everything up for grabs.
“The mood between the two drivers was not so jubilant, as the two men appeared to avoid each other after the race.
“That tension is likely to increase between now and the final race weekend.
“Mercedes management know one of their drivers will be crowned in Abu Dhabi ... Whatever happens, Yas Marina will be the scene of a season finale that should live long in the memory.”
Already looking ahead to that race, Graham Caygill also offers up an analysis of how important qualifying will be.
“Lewis Hamilton’s championship fate remains in his own hands, and regardless of what anyone else does, he will leave Yas Marina Circuit on November 23 as a double world champion if he finishes in the top two.
“In many ways, however, the season’s penultimate day could be more important to his title chase. Qualifying is crucial if the Mercedes-GP driver wants to give himself the most trouble-free weekend. The qualifying session has proven to be the one area where Nico Rosberg has had an edge over the 2008 world champion this season.”
Follow us on Twitter @SprtNationalUAE
