Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2014: Five key races that shaped the championship battle between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg
A look at the key turning points this season
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will duke it out for the 2014 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Here, we take a look at the five key races that have shaped this season.
Australia, 16 March
Hamilton takes pole for the season opener in Melbourne, but from the start his Mercedes falters with a spark-plug insulation problem, then he retires. As Rosberg wins, Hamilton is immediately put on the back foot, 25 points down.
Monaco, 25 May
Hamilton has taken the points lead after a run of four victories. Rosberg knows he has to get into his team-mate’s head and does so after employing subterfuge in qualifying to maintain pole position, from which he then wins.
Canada, 8 June
Rosberg overshoots the last corner as he and Hamilton battle and goes unpenalised, despite doubling his lead. Hamilton overstresses his brakes clawing the gap back and has to retire. Rosberg also has brake problems, but salvages second place.
Hungary, 27 July
Hamilton starts from the pit lane after his car catches fire in qualifying and spins on the damp opening lap. But he fights back into contention and refuses to comply with a request from the team to let Rosberg overtake. They finish third and fourth.
Belgium, 24 August
Rosberg, still angry after Hungary, clashes with Hamilton on the second lap. Hamilton retires; Rosberg finishes second. Later the latter admits he deliberately did not avoid a collision, and is fined by the team. Hamilton responds by winning the next five races.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments