Hamilton or Rosberg champion in Abu Dhabi if…

With a 17-point lead before competing in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where the points will be doubled, Lewis Hamilton remains the favorite for the title even if the latter lost to his rival Nico Rosberg at the qualifications at Yas Marina. The 2008 world champion will only need a 2nd place to be assured of a second coronation, regardless of the position of his teammate. If the latter does not win, a 5th place will be sufficient. A top six would be enough even if Rosberg misses 2nd place, the same for a top eight if the German misses the podium. A 9th place will be satisfactory if his rival does not do better than 5th.

But all is not over for Nico Rosberg. The best pole sitter of the season will need his opponent to finish beyond 2nd place by winning to win the Grail. But if he misses victory, Hamilton will not have to do better than 6th. A 3rd place would only be beneficial if the Briton took 7th place. By finishing at the foot of the podium, the title could only be obtained with a 9th place for Hamilton. If the latter were to abandon, Rosberg would nevertheless have to secure a top 5 to win the coronation.