Bits from the Pits: Abu Dhabi GP

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  • Shake it off: Rosberg and Hamilton.

    TITLE RIVALS GIVE GAME AWAY

    A press conference that includes Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg never fails to amuse so imagine how intriguing it was to have just the two of them talk to the press corps in Abu Dhabi ahead of this weekend’s championship decider.

    The Mercedes pair both claim their relationship has somewhat stablised this season compared to the past couple of years but the tension between them and thinly-veiled animosity was palpable from the very first moment they stepped into the press conference room at Yas Marina Circuit.

    Before they even started speaking, Rosberg and Hamilton were asked to pose for a photo while shaking hands. They both ignored the handshake part of the request and just stood side by side, facing a room jam-packed with photographers.

    Outside boxing, few sports pit rivals against one another in the same interview the way F1 does and it often results in fascinating dialogue. With Rosberg and Hamilton, the facial expressions alone tell a story.

    Rosberg is yet to master the poker face required when Hamilton is speaking and Thursday was no exception.

    They were asked to name the race in which they felt their rival excelled the most in this season.

    While Rosberg gave a generic answer that praised Hamilton’s overall performance in 2016, the British reigning world champion’s response was: “I haven’t seen any of his races, so… I can’t really remember. Same as him. He was quick in lots of different places. I don’t think there’s one that particularly stands out.”

    The highlight was when a reporter asked the two drivers about Mercedes’ decision to swap their car crews earlier this season. Each driver had five changes made to their engineering team and had to see their favourite mechanics hop to the opposite side of the garage – in a rare if not unprecedented move.

    Hamilton jumped on the opportunity to quiz Rosberg about the reason behind the move, implying there is an underlying story to be told.

    “That’s a very good question. And I would also just like to add to it, what was the explanation given to you?” Hamilton cheekily told Rosberg.

    While the German said it was simply a decision made to increase the harmony between the team following a stormy 2015, Hamilton was not as diplomatic in his answer.

    “You’ll have to buy my book down the line in ten years time when I tell you exactly what happened. It will be an interested read,” joked the three-time world champion.

    Colour us intrigued!

    NO FAREWELL TEARS FROM KIMI

    The other press conference featuring two drivers making their F1 farewell this weekend, Felipe Massa and Jenson Button, along with Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Nasr and Max Vertsappen was not without its awkward moments.

    Raikkonen was asked if he is going to miss having Massa and Button around. The Finnish driver, renowned for being non-expressive and ice-cold at times said: “I mean I left once already so I kind of know how it feels. Obviously, it’s their choice and I’m sure they will have a lot of fun and I wish them all the best for whatever they do in their lives.

    “For sure, things will change in F1 in the future and all of us will leave one day and that’s just how it goes. They’ve both had a good long career in it and I’m sure they will have some other things to do now.”

    We’re still waiting to find out if he will indeed miss them.

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