‘Ecstatic’ Rosberg relieved after ‘not enjoyable’ race

Newly-crowned world champion Nico Rosberg admits the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was “definitely not the most enjoyable race I’ve ever had”, as the Mercedes driver had to deal with Lewis Hamilton’s race tactics.

Lining up second on the grid, the German enjoyed a clean start to hold his position behind his title rival until Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, recovering from a spin and on a different strategy, split both Mercedes.

A brilliant move enabled Rosberg to get past the Dutchman and back to P2, but Hamilton’s slow pace in front allowed the Red Bulls and Ferraris to close in. The F1 points leader came under threat from a charging Sebastian Vettel on fresh supersoft tyres in the final laps but Rosberg held on until the chequered flag.

“That was definitely not the most enjoyable race I’ve ever had with Max at the beginning and then all these guys coming up in the end, really not enjoyable these last laps,” Rosberg said during the podium interviews. “I’m really glad it’s over and I’m ecstatic.

Then turning to Hamilton, he added: “I want to say congrats to Lewis, you did a great season and you’re a great competitor. You’re massively quick always. It’s always tough to beat you.”

Rosberg thus becomes the 33rd world champion in F1 history, and only the second son after Damon Hill in 1996 to emulate his father’s achievement of securing the title, after Keke Rosberg sealed the 1982 crown with Williams

“I am very proud to have done the same feat as my Dad achieved.”

REPORT: Hamilton wins, as Rosberg takes title in Abu Dhabi

Jenson Button's F1 career: 17 seasons, 15 wins

Silbermann says ... Parting gifts galore

Chris Medland's 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter