Nico Rosberg is the 2016 Formula One world champion

At the end of a somewhat tense Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg was crowned the 2016 Formula One world champion. He beat his teammate and reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton who although having won the race, was too many points behind to take the championship.

The race itself was a relatively uneventful one. The start saw Max Verstappen spin and go all the way down to last place. In what was the only entertainment in the race, he clawed his way back all the way to third. Thanks to a change in strategy he was able to pit once and leapfrog both Ferrari drivers and his teammate. He was eventually overtaken for third place by Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel who stopped late and was on fresh tires.

It was this late charge by Vettel that caused the only bit of tension in the championship battle. Until then Hamilton was comfortably leading the race and Rosberg was following not far behind. The only way Hamilton would be able to win the championship is to take the victory and for Rosberg to finish fourth or below.

Hearing of the charge by the Ferrari driver, Hamilton ignored calls from his team and backed his teammate towards the Vettel and Verstappen. Ultimately, Rosberg was able to hold off Vettel for the final two laps and took the championship with his second place finish. His championship comes exactly 34 years since his father took the crown.