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Track record
Only once has Hamilton not finished on the podium or started on the front row
in Abu Dhabi, but that was last year when up against Rosberg.
He finished second in 2010 – the four-way title showdown – and won superbly in
2011 after a dreadful season.
But as Rosberg proved in 2013, he is no slouch. In 2010 he finished fourth in
the unfancied Mercedes,
and outqualified and outraced Hamilton last year.
The Briton was as mystified as anyone why he couldn’t match him.
Verdict: Hamilton.
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Other threats
Given second place in a Mercedes one-two would secure the championship, there
should not be too many other drivers who can interfere.
The Mercedes has been the fastest car all season and continues to be.
The two Williams could be fast, but as they have shown all season, they are
unlikely to get in the way.
The real threat will come from unreliability. Hamilton has had two
non-finishes due to car failures; he cannot afford another one in Abu Dhabi.
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Permutations
If Hamilton finishes first or second, he wins the title.
If Rosberg wins in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton needs second to clinch the title. With
single points he would have required just sixth.
If Rosberg comes second, Hamilton needs fifth to win the championship.
If Rosberg finishes third, Hamilton requires sixth.
If Rosberg comes fourth, Hamilton needs eighth place.
If Rosberg finishes fifth, Hamilton has to finish ninth.
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How they stand
1. Lewis Hamilton 334pts
2. Nico Rosberg 317pts
TV: Live on BBC1, Sky Sports F1.