Following his victories in Mexico and Brazil, Nico Rosberg continued with his brilliant form as he took top honours in the season finale at Abu Dhabi. The German driver got off to a brilliant start from his pole position and remained unchallenged right up till the chequered flag. With the kind of pace that Rosberg showcased in practice and qualifying, the only chance for team-mate Lewis Hamilton to take a win in the final race was at lights. But the German got off to a flying start from the front of the grid, gradually increasing his lead to finish eight seconds clear of second placed Hamilton.
Kimi keeps it cool
Just like the Mercedes duo, Kimi Raikkonen was able to maintain phenomenal pace in his Ferrari. The Finn posted a flying lap to secure third place on the grid. While Rosberg was off to a great start, Raikkonen was quick to put pressure on Hamilton for second place but unfortunately couldn't match the pace of the Mercedes. After losing some ground to Hamilton, Raikkonen drove a lonely race to finish third. This result ensured that he finished fourth in the drivers' standing ahead of Valtteri Bottas. The other Ferrari driver didn't have as smooth a weekend. Sebastian Vettel suffered some problems in qualifying and was forced to start the race in 15th place. The four-time champion made the soft-soft-supersoft strategy work in his favour as he finished in fourth place behind his team-mate.
High 5 for Perez
After qualifying in fourth place, Sergio Perez got off to a good start from his fourth place on the grid. The Mexican was looking after his tyres well and at the same time ensure that Vettel remained behind him. But the German proved to be quicker on supersofts forcing him to drop down to fifth instead. However, despite his tyres giving up quickly, Perez did well to keep Daniel Ricciardo at bay. Team-mate Nico Hulkenberg did well to bring double points finish for the team in the last race of the season. This was the Force India team's best ever finish as they wrapped up the season fifth on the constructors' championship.
Ricciardo runs sixth
Daniel Ricciardo had a good run right from the start as he was constantly battling it out on track. The Australian had a good tussle with Hulkenberg and was then trying hard to catch the other Force India of Perez. However, Perez proved to be marginally faster on the Option tyres forcing Ricciardo to settle for sixth in the last race of the season. Daniil Kvyat brought another point home for the Red Bull team with his tenth place finish.
The End
Although Mercedes proved to be quite strong throughout the year and was gradually running away with the championship right from the start, it is the lower order that kept things interesting. Ferrari kept battling with Williams in the constructors' championship while Rosberg, Vettel, Raikkonen and Bottas were having a battle of their own. Amidst these fights Lewis Hamilton was consistent throughout the season taking his career's third championship victory.
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