This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/20/nico-rosberg-lewis-hamilton-abu-dhabi

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Nico Rosberg warns Lewis Hamilton to drive cleanly in Abu Dhabi finale Nico Rosberg warns Lewis Hamilton to keep it clean in Abu Dhabi finale
(35 minutes later)
The tension between the Formula One world championship rivals Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg was obvious when they exchanged an uneasy handshake here on Thursday. The tension between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg was obvious when they exchanged an uneasy handshake on Thursday. The Mercedes team-mates and Formula One world championship rivals appeared alongside each other at a press conference but the body language between once close friends was cold enough to chill the warm desert air.
The Mercedes team-mates appeared alongside each other at an FIA press conference. But the body language between the two once close friends was cold enough to chill the warm desert air. The pair have clashed a number of times in a season in which Hamilton has built a 17-point advantage going into Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where, controversially, double points will be awarded. The winner of Sunday’s race will collect 50 points.
The pair have clashed a number of times this season, in which Hamilton has built up a 17-point advantage going into Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grad Prix where, infamously, double points will be awarded. When asked if they would speak to each other before the race to ensure there would be no argy-bargy, Hamilton said: “We don’t need to, its been discussed at the beginning of the season and several times during the season and particularly after Spa, so there’s no need to revisit it. We are not children we should know what is wrong and what is right.”
When asked if they would speak to each other before the race to ensure there would be no “argy-bargy” Hamilton replied: “We don’t need to, its been discussed at the beginning of the season and several times during the season and particularly after Spa, so there’s no need to revisit it. We are not children we should know what is wrong and what is right.” When the question moved to Rosberg he had a dig at Hamilton. “Lewis can do something to keep it clean, which is drive cleanly himself. So it’s not like he can’t do anything,” the German said
When the question moved to Rosberg he had a clear dig at Hamilton when he said: “Lewis can do something to keep it clean, which is drive cleanly himself. So it’s not like he can’t do anything.” He added: “It’s an intense weekend. I wouldn’t use the word pressure. Lewis is a great competitor and it will hopefully be a great end to the season. I’m here to try to win the race and I need a bit of help from Lewis that he doesn’t finish second. There are many scenarios and I’m optimistic. In Brazil he made a mistake and I need to do what I can to keep the pressure on.”
He added: “It’s an intense weekend. I wouldn’t use the word pressure. Lewis is a great competitor and it will hopefully be a great end to the season. Hamilton needs to finish in the top two to make sure of a second world title six years after winning his first. He has won 10 grands prix this season to Rosberg’s five, though the British driver has been outscored 10-7 in pole positions. Without double points, Hamilton would have had to finish sixth to take the title.
“I’m here to try to win the race and I need a bit of help from Lewis that he doesn’t finish second. There are many scenarios and I’m optimistic. In Brazil he made a mistake and I need to do what I can to keep the pressure on.” He said: “I come into the weekend trying to win the race, like always. So nothing changes. In terms of the pressure, I don’t really feel anything. I have been racing for 20 years to prepare for it.”
Hamilton needs to finish in the top two to make sure of his second world title six years after winning his first. He has won 10 races to Rosberg’s five, though Rosberg has outscored him 10-7 in pole positions. Without double points, Hamilton would merely have to come sixth to take the title. The two major flashpoints between the pair came at Monaco and Spa. At Monaco in May Rosberg went up the escape road on his final run and prevented Hamilton from potentially setting pole. The view of most experts was that what Rosberg did was intentional. Rosberg was at fault at the Belgian Grand Prix when he collided with Hamilton, forcing him to retire.
Hamilton added: “I come into the weekend trying to win the race, like always. So nothing changes there. In terms of the pressure, I don’t really feel anything. I have been racing for 20 years to prepare for it.”
The two major flashpoints between the pair this season came at Monaco and Spa. At Monaco in May Rosberg went up the escape road on his final run and prevented Hamilton from setting a potentially pole-setting time. The view of most experts in the paddock at the time was that what Rosberg did was intentional.
Then, in Spa, Rosberg was at fault when putting Hamilton out of the race.