Nico Rosberg won the Brazilian Grand Prix 2015

Hamilton, who clinched the Formula One championship in Austin last month, followed his team-mate Nico Rosberg home for the second race in succession on Sunday. The German took a record 5 pole in a row yesterday, and capitalised on it to take his second win a row. The former dominated for most of the season, but has not been on pole since Monza six races ago – a stark contrast to Rosberg, who sealed a fifth straight pole and second straight win at the weekend.

But the day belonged to Rosberg as he continues to prove his worth out on the track, despite his inability to overcome Hamilton in points. “Of course everything is relative with what happened back in Paris, but still very happy”.

In the knowledge he is now competing against someone who will take enormous risks to stay ahead, Hamilton can no longer try those bold, assertive overtaking manoeuvres he has utilised throughout his career, and F1’s greatest attacker has been forced to learn when to back out, to give in.

“We were close as we had never been before, which is a massive achievement, considering that Mercedes was pushing all the way, as they had nothing to lose”, said Vettel. I think we need better tyres to allow us to go quicker.

“People make up stories but I came with the same fire as I have had all year”, he said.

“I think it’s all more up here, it’s a psychological game and Lewis had the upper hand when it mattered”, said the Austrian, pointing to his head.

“At the moment it is going really well and as I say, I am pleased with that”.

“I don’t have an exact explanation for why it’s going so strongly now, but I’ll just keep it going”.

Hamilton: “I just killed my tyres”. But unfortunately today I couldn’t get close enough to put on a great race, so it’s relatively boring following in the tow. I’m here to race, and when you both have to do the same order, it’s kind of set from the beginning.

“Contrary to what Nico was saying there was one point when I was all over him, but I just couldn’t get by”, the world champion responded. He also conceded: “Nico has been doing fantastically well”.

This race has quite a few good picks. And with both drivers completing three pit tyre changes, the world champion ended up finishing 7.7 seconds behind the victorious Rosberg.

“Controversy within the team is detrimental and we have kept the team together because the team comes first”. The final pick which is good value is for Lewis Hamilton to win the face.

Kimi Raikkonen came home fourth in the second Ferrari ahead of Valtteri Bottas of Williams, Nico Hulkenberg of Force India, Danil Kvyat of Red Bull and local hero Felipe Massa in the second Williams. Williams has since served notice of an appeal.

Verstappen’s team mate Carlos Sainz started from the pitlane after his vehicle broke down on the way to the grid and he then retired on the opening lap.