The 2016 Formula 1 season and the battle between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton was arguably one of the best in recent years. Rosberg ultimately won the championship, but momentum was a key factor as he finished the 2015 season on a high before starting the next campaign in a similar manner.
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The son of a former world champion, Rosberg, had everything to fight for during the 2016 season. He finished runner-up to his old foe Lewis Hamilton in the past two years. And since he came close to winning the championship on over one occasion, he compared his situation to American politician Hillary Clinton.
Nico Rosberg finds resemblance with Hillary Clinton
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Nico Rosberg knows what defeat tastes like. An opportunity, however, was presented to him during his last year in F1. The season was a roller coaster ride, as the German was inconsistent in the middle of the year. But going into the Abu Dhabi GP, he led Hamilton by 12 points and all he needed to do was finish in the top 3.
He also related his situation to Hillary Clinton’s one. The 2016 US Presidential election ended in a sour note for her. Battling Donald Trump for the victory, she was the clear favorite to take over the reins from Obama before her hopes came crashing down towards the end of the campaign.
Speaking after his WDC victory, he said, “So, it’s like Hillary Clinton. I don’t want to compare myself to Hillary Clinton, but the situation is similar. She’s ahead all the way through and she’s the sure winner and even herself she thinks she’s the sure winner. Just as I did in a way because for me it must be possible with my car to finish at least 3rd, should be definitely doable, because I have the best car.”
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“That’s what makes it so difficult. It would make the loss hurt even more because you’re so close. And so I can really relate to Hilary as well. What a horrible loss that was for her personally, also so tough. My god really unbelievable, you don’t wish that on anybody, especially to a candidate like Donald Trump, of course makes it even worse. “
Rosberg opens up on the Abu Dhabi battle with Lewis Hamilton
Five points is what separated the two Mercedes drivers in the end. The race in Abu Dhabi was a tense affair throughout and Hamilton continued his fine form by securing the pole position. However, the championship was in Rosberg’s hands.
SOCHI, RUSSIA – MAY 01: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP speaks with his team-mate Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP as he celebrates his win on the podium during the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on May 1 , 2016 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
On to the race, the Briton took the lead with Rosberg behind him. But Hamilton started slowing down as Vettel and Verstappen closed in on the German. Despite winning the championship, Rosberg wasn’t happy with his teammate.
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He added, “It wasn’t right what he did. Because in the end we’re driving according to certain guidelines that are given to us by the team.”
The former Williams also acknowledged that he let Hamilton pass in Monaco during a similar situation. Furthermore, he revealed that his teammate did not ‘abide by the rules’ in the Abu Dhabi GP.
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The two shared a great bond over the years. Nevertheless, their relationship has turned sour when Hamilton arrived at Mercedes. It is fair to say that competition for the title took a toll on their friendship.
