Yes, it’s now that time of the season. With three races left, things look to be heating up in the battle between Mercedes Formula One team drivers Lewis Hamilton, and Nico Rosberg, for the battle for the Formula One World Championship in 2016.
So, with Hamilton at a 26-point deficit to Rosberg, how can he win this world championship?
Ultimately, here is the full equation. With 26 points between the two and three races to go, Lewis’ chances look slim, yet the opportunity is still very much there. Lewis needs to win all three of these races, desperately, may I add, and Nico needs to finish in second once, and third twice, if Lewis wants to win the championship.
As we near the final time the lights go out in Abu Dhabi later in the year, it is looking more and more unrealistic. Had Lewis finished the race in first in Malaysia, rather than have his engine fail him, then we would be in a completely different situation right now, but the odds have not been in Lewis’ favour this season.
Nico has drove with a perfect balance between safety and risk, using pace when he needs to use it.
In fact, judging the drivers on their performances this season, it has been a huge step up for him this season. His pace has strongly improved this year and he should be commended on that.
As for Lewis, it’s hard to say. His racing this year has been largely compromised by all kinds of issues, which I won’t get into now. I will say one thing. The way that Lewis has handled all these issues this year has been very intriguing.
While he still remained determined, his reactions to problems have been highly negative, even to the extent of him accusing his team of rigging the championship so that Nico would win in Malaysia.
In total, it all comes down to the upcoming last three races in Mexico, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi, all of which Hamilton has proved to be weaker at than his teammate Rosberg in the past.
If Lewis can win at both Mexico and Brazil and Nico comes second at both races, which I predict will happen unless there are more reliability problems, there would be a brilliant finale at the Yas Marina circuit with only 12 points between the two.
All we can do now, is sit back, and see what happens.
deleteaccountplease
Roar Rookie
Thanks Nick! Remember that reliability has also played a part in the championship, but for sure, he has upped his game
deleteaccountplease
Roar Rookie
He has definitely upped his game, but I can agree that he has been far too aggressive in some overtaking moves such as the disastrous move on Raikonnen at Malaysia, or that awful piece of work he put on Lewis in Austria. Thanks for reading!
deleteaccountplease
Roar Rookie
Yeah he definitely does have the upper hand, but there are a couple of factors at play in the championship. 1. If Red Bull can get any closer to the Mercs and pose a serious challenge in a couple of races. 2. If any reliability issues hit Mercedes. Remember, F1 is an incredibly unpredictable sport, and anything can happen?
deleteaccountplease
Roar Rookie
For sure! Nico was absolutely dominating this time last year, and I guess we'll have to see how he plays it from here! Lewis definitely cannot be ruled out, he's a fighter, and he will do everything he can to win at this point. Gee, wouldn't a car failure for either drivers just flip the championship on its head! Thanks for reading Jawad!
nick
Guest
Great article. I entirely agree! Rosberg has performed increasingly strong over the past 18 months, and thats why he has the edge over Hamilton.
steve
Guest
Nico has the upper hand here, Lewis winning the last three races wont be enough to win the title if Rosberg comes home in second place in the remaining 3 races. Not sure many people would back against Mercedes one - two's over the final three races. That wont be enough for Lewis, I hope Nico gets over the line and wins the title TBH.
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
Nico comes into these final three races having swept them twelve months ago. He could just remain in damage limitation mode till Abu Dhabi, but a win or two would really rub the salt in the wound to Lewis. Lewis however, finding form in Austin can't be ruled out at all. And those who claim that all the reliability issues only occur to his car, well what if Nico's power-unit blows up in one of the three remaining races? Still plenty to unfold!
Super-Human
Guest
Rosberg is not even a great racer. A great lapper but can't race wheel to wheel.