Following the conclusion of the 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Graham Caygill provides the race standings, times, and his verdict of each driver’s performance.
Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP) — 1:38.30.175
The German’s third win in a row and he looked after his tyres well. The question is can he take this level of consistency into 2016?
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP) — +8.271 secs
Closed to within 1.3 seconds mid-race, but a bizarre decision to extend his middle stint by 10 laps compared to Rosberg ended his bid for a third win.
Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) — +19.430
Was never going to be able to beat the Mercedes in a straight fight, so third was almost like a win for the 2007 world champion.
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Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) — +43.725
Fine overtaking and a good strategy gave the four-time world champion good damage limitation after the error in qualifying that had left him 16th.
Sergio Perez (Force India) — +1:03.952
The Mexican backed up a great effort in qualifying with a strong race. Was no match for the first four cars on raw pace, but was the best of the rest.
Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) — +1:33.618
Not what the Australian had been hoping for. Had believed he could challenge Ferrari for a podium spot, but was beaten fair and square to fifth by Perez.
Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) — +1:38.201
On paper a good result for the German, his third straight top-seven finish, but to be more than 30 seconds behind teammate Perez will sting.
Felipe Massa (Williams) — +1:37.751
No repeat of last year’s second place for the Brazilian. Looked quick early on as he pulled off some fine overtakes, but was unable to maintain momentum
Romain Grosjean (Lotus) — +1:38.201
A very strong drive from the Frenchman as he came through from 18th on the grid to score two points in his last race for Lotus.
Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull) — +1:42.371
Seemed to be stuck in traffic for much of the afternoon, and he never looked like challenging for a top-six spot, which his car was capable of.
Carlos Sainz Jr (Toro Rosso) — +1:43.525
Will be disappointed having started in the top 10, but he lost out on the final points position after being overtaken by Grosjean at the end.
Jenson Button (McLaren) — +1 lap
Started and finished 12th. The 2009 champion fought others cars when he could, but the lack of power on the straights from the Honda engine hurt.
Valtteri Bottas (Wiliams) — +1 lap
Broke his front wing on the back of Button’s car in the pit lane and had to make an extra stop for repairs. His chance of points went.
Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) — +1 lap
An impressive result given how much he had struggled for pace earlier in the weekend. A long first stint on the hard tyre helped him.
Felipe Nasr (Sauber) — +1 lap
An anti-climatic end to a fine rookie season. Looked competitive in the opening laps as he tussled with Button and the Toro Rossos, but then fell away.
Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) — +1 lap
The teenager was outside top 10 for most of the race. To compound a poor day, was given a 20-second time penalty post-race for going off track.
Fernando Alonso (McLaren) — +1 lap
The double world champion ruined his race by colliding with Maldonado at the start. Was given a drive-through penalty and never recovered.
Will Stevens (Manor) — +2 laps
Did all he could, with the limited machinery at his disposal, by comfortably out-performing his teammate to finish for the 15th time this season.
Roberto Merhi (Manor) — +3 laps
The Spaniard started from the pit lane after Manor had made a change to his car overnight. Not on the pace of teammate Stevens.
P Maldonado (Lotus) — Retired
An innocent victim of the first corner collision with Alonso’s McLaren. The Lotus driver’s suspension was broken in the impact, ending his race.
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