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The tension between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg was obvious when they exchanged an uneasy handshake on Thursday. The Mercedes teammates and Formula One world championship rivals appeared alongside each other at a press conference but the body language between once close friends was cold enough to chill the warm desert air. |
The pair have clashed a number of times in a season in which Hamilton has built a 17-point advantage going into Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where, controversially, double points will be awarded. The winner of Sunday’s race will collect 50 points.
When asked if they would speak to each other before the race to ensure there would be no argy-bargy, Hamilton said: “We don’t need to, its been discussed at the beginning of the season and several times during the season and particularly after Spa, so there’s no need to revisit it. We are not children we should know what is wrong and what is right.”
When the question moved to Rosberg he had a dig at Hamilton. “Lewis can do something to keep it clean, which is drive cleanly himself. So it’s not like he can’t do anything,” the German said
He added: “It’s an intense weekend. I wouldn’t use the word pressure. Lewis is a great competitor and it will hopefully be a great end to the season. I’m here to try to win the race and I need a bit of help from Lewis that he doesn’t finish second. There are many scenarios and I’m optimistic. In Brazil he made a mistake and I need to do what I can to keep the pressure on.”
Hamilton needs to finish in the top two to make sure of a second world title six years after winning his first. He has won 10 grands prix this season to Rosberg’s five, though the British driver has been outscored 10-7 in pole positions. Without double points, Hamilton would have had to finish sixth to take the title.
He said: “I come into the weekend trying to win the race, like always. So nothing changes. In terms of the pressure, I don’t really feel anything. I have been racing for 20 years to prepare for it.”
The two major flashpoints between the pair came at Monaco and Spa. At Monaco in May Rosberg went up the escape road on his final run and prevented Hamilton from potentially setting pole. The view of most experts was that what Rosberg did was intentional. Rosberg was at fault at the Belgian Grand Prix when he collided with Hamilton, forcing him to retire.
