Simply Abu Dhabi XXIV

6 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Round 18 United States: Keeping a faint hope of the championship alive, Lewis clawed back valuable points to Rosberg by taking a solid win from pole position in front of his beloved American fans. It was a must-win race for the defending champ and his first since Germany. It was also his first good start in three races leaving Rosberg under pressure from Ricciardo into Turn 1. Verstappen retired on the edge of pit exit, bringing out the virtual safety car which effectively gave Rosberg a free pit stop to emerge in front of Ricciardo who was looking good for second and closing on Hamilton. This dictated the remainder of the race with Hamilton winning by 4.5 seconds from Rosberg and a dejected Ricciardo. Driver: Rosberg 331, Hamilton 305, Ricciardo 227 Constructor: Mercedes 636, Red Bull 400, Ferrari 347 Round 19 Mexico: Hamilton put enormous pressure on Rosberg with a convincing win on a day when only a win would keep his chances alive. From pole, Hamilton out-braked himself into the first corner and went across the grass before a safety car eliminated any advantage he gained; however, he was never challenged as he rebuilt his buffer to Rosberg on the way to his eighth win. Behind them Vettel, Verstappen and Ricciardo had a fiery final few laps. Vettel, sandwiched between the two Red Bulls in fourth accused third placed Verstappen of blocking and as they crossed the line, the Dutchman was given a 5 second penalty which promoted Vettel to third and Ricciardo to fourth. Post podium celebrations, Vettel was sanctioned for an illegal block on Ricciardo which promoted the Aussie to third. This cemented Ricciardo’s third place in the World Championship Driver: Rosberg 349, Hamilton 330, Ricciardo 242 Constructor: Mercedes 679, Red Bull 427, Ferrari 365