Hamilton: I’m Much More Content Than Rosberg

The German, also on a streak of six straight pole positions, has now won every round since he gift-wrapped the title to Hamilton at last month’s United States Grand Prix – stark contrast to much of the season in which Hamilton has dominated.

“I look forward to it as I’m sure it’s going to be another great season next year”, said Rosberg.

Speaking after the race on the podium last night, Rosberg sounded like a man who did not want the season to end. While the 2015 World Drivers’ Championship (WDC) was won by Lewis Hamilton with ten titles overall, Rosberg was declared the runner up. “Today was really a ideal race”. “I am happy”, said Hamilton. It could start tomorrow if it were up to me, no problem.

His answer differs slightly, saying: “I don’t think we’ve ever done either so there’s no reason to change”.

“He is still pushing very hard – he still has the same talent and puts the same effort into his races”.

Hamilton worked with his crew to extend his second stint so that he would have the advantage of fresher tyres over a shorter period in the closing stages, but it was to no avail. I haven’t finished the season as strongly as I started it – but what an incredible year it’s been.

“This team has done a remarkable job, so a big thank you to everyone back at the factories”.

All eyes were on Marquez to see if he could overtake Lorenzo after his spat with Rossi who later accused the two-time world champion of conspiring to help Lorenzo claim his third MotoGP world title.

The Mercedes team’s one-two finish carried their points total to a record 703 for the season, more than the 701 they accumulated previous year when the final race was awarded double points.

Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Jenson Button ensured the action went right to wire when, with the race petering out into predictability, the pair almost took each other out in a battle for lower order positions. At certain points, I think we were catching them and then they were pulling out but not an terrible lot in it. “It is never nice to finish third but in the end, it is what we expected to do”, added the Finn.

So for Mercedes, it was a ideal end to a superb season that saw the team score 16 wins, with three escaping to Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, just as three went to RBR’s Daniel Ricciardo a year ago.

Felipe Massa of Williams was eighth, Romain Grosjean ninth in his last race for Lotus before moving to 2016 newcomer Haas, and Daniil Kvyat of Red Bull took the last point in 10th.

Not even the mighty Fernando Alonso managed that in his pomp when they were paired at McLaren. Maldonado retired immediately with broken suspension, while Alonso could continue, but had to pit for a new front wing.

“To have a drive-through (penalty) after you’ve been hit by another auto is a bit unusual”.