Abu Dhabi: The Championship clash will definitely be a battle of nerves for Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Both of them have world-class cars that have been fast all through the season and the main test would clearly be race pressure.
And who else, other than champion drivers Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, to give them the best advice ahead of the mega showdown. They have been there and have faced this pressure before.
Though Fernando was of the view that pressure situations would vary from individual to individual, he was quick to dwell on a few things he experienced.
“I think every situation is different. I’ve been in that situation five times and all five were different. It depends on whether you are in front, behind, with who you are battling, with what mood you arrive to the race. It depends on the circuit; it could depend on anything,” said Alonso, who won back-to-back titles for Renault in 2005 and 2006.
“I remember Brazil, for example 2012, it was raining on a Sunday morning. There are different factors around the race itself that it can change your approach or can change your feelings,” said Alonso, who will be leaving Ferrari after the last race here.
“I think it’s a very unique thing on those moments and it will be an interesting weekend for Nico and Lewis. Wishing them the best of luck because they deserve it after a super championship and, you know, only one can win but let’s see a good race on Sunday,” added Alonso.
Four-time champion Vettel, whose reign is coming to an end here in Abu Dhabi, was of the view that it was the time for the Mercedes drivers to enjoy after all that hard work they have put in all through the year.
“Well, it’s what you’re working for all year, to arrive at the last race and still have the opportunity to become world champion. I think that’s ultimately what drives all of us. So, yeah, I think the most important thing is to enjoy,” said Vettel, who will be driving for Ferrari next season.
Hamilton, who needs to finish on the second spot to clinch the championship, revealed that he was not feeling the heat and was keen on going for an all out win.
“I come into the race weekend to try to win, as I do every race weekend, so nothing changes there. And in terms of the pressure, I don’t particularly feel any. I think I’ve had plenty of experience through my racing career — 15 odd years I would say, actually it might be 20 years of racing — to be prepared for today. There’s no special recipe for it,” said Hamilton, who has had 10 wins this season.
Rosberg, who is trailing Hamilton by 17 points going into the final race, also brushed aside that he would be under any sort of pressure but felt it would be a testing weekend.
“Well, it’s an intense weekend, for sure, yes. I wouldn’t use the word pressure but it’s going to be intense. It’s going to be a great battle. I look forward to it. That’s what I’ve been working towards for a while now; for this sort of chance, this last race here.”
