Rosberg still grateful to Verstappen for room in 2016 title fight

Nico Rosberg says he remains grateful to Max Verstappen for leaving him room during their duel at the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Rosberg won his first Formula 1 title. “I’m forever grateful to Max,” he said on Beyond the Grid.

After the pit stops, Rosberg found himself behind Verstappen. He said Lewis Hamilton’s strategy had put him there, but added that he understood Hamilton’s approach: Hamilton had to try something. Rosberg described Verstappen as the driver he least wanted to be behind.

Rosberg recalled that his engineer Tony Ross told him over the radio that the championship was at stake and he had two laps to pass Verstappen. He estimated the attempt carried a 50 per cent chance of a crash. Rosberg got past, but said fear and adrenaline left his foot shaking so badly that he struggled to control the throttle.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was also Rosberg’s last Formula 1 race. He retired immediately after winning the title.