Story highlights
Rosberg leads Hamilton 367 points to 355
Podium finish guarantees Rosberg victory
Hamilton has won last three races
Two drivers, one world championship title. The battle for the 2016 Formula One crown is about to reach its conclusion.
Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton have been engaged in a tense rivalry since the F1 season started in March, but come Sunday the two Mercedes drivers will finally be separated at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Rosberg has the edge, leading his teammate by 12 points, and the German knows a podium finish will guarantee he wins his first world championship title.
Read: F1 championship standings
For Hamilton, finishing anywhere except on the podium will mean the end of his reign.
Rosberg was the quicker out the blocks, winning the first four races before Hamilton rallied to dominate in July’s quartet of GPs. The Brit comes off the back of three consecutive wins, most recently leading the way in torrential conditions during the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The pair’s dominance has seen them rocket ahead of the competition in the overall standings, winning 18 out of the 20 races so far as their team stormed to a third consecutive constructors’ crown. Only Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen have prevented a Mercedes clean sweep.
Read: Mercedes rivals ‘almost opposites’
Last year, Hamilton already had his third title wrapped up with three races to go – all of which Rosberg went on to win.
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How will this year’s battle be decided? All eyes will be on the Yas Marina Circuit this weekend to find out.
