2014 Brazilian Grand Prix - Nico Rosberg Wins As Hamilton Spins

Nico Rosberg managed only his fifth win of the season at Interlagos as Lewis Hamilton span off but recovered well to finish second. Home hero Felipe Massa finished third, much to the satisfaction of the home crowd.

The German led the field away from the front of the grid as Hamilton slotted in behind him. It appeared the real issue of today would be tyrewear. As many cars had very bad graining and flatspots on their tyres. This is what ultimately cost Hamilton as his rear axle locked up and he went off track at turn three. He lost around seven seconds to Rosberg, but it wouldn't have been evident.

Hamilton was closing in on his team mate, but it was Nico who held his nerve to take his win, but by only around half a second. Massa finished third with Jenson Button, who's set to leave the sport, managing a fourth place finish. Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen and Valterri Bottas round off the top 10.

It was a poor day for Williams as both Felipe Massa and Valterri Bottas had issues. Massa was handed a five second stop/go penalty for speeding in the pitlane, as well as driving into the wrong pit box. He entered McLaren's instead of Williams', but recovered very well to manage third. Bottas had a very long stop, with it being a supposed seatbelt issue that hampered his progress.

Daniel Ricciardo ended a fifteen race finishing streak as his suspension failed on lap 41. Romain Grosjean was the only other retirement as he parked his Lotus on lap 67.

Nico Hulkenberg of Force India deserves credit, he started on the Medium tyre, with everyone in fromt of him on the Softs. He led he race at one point and managed to ke his tyres lt the full stint required despite how hard the Interlagos track is on tyres.

It was a fascinating fight to the finish for Mercedes. The last 15 or so laps saw Hamilton closing in on Rosberg, with the battle being more of a psychological one. Rosberg was pushed hard by Hamilton, with Hamilton at one point looking at a dive down the inside on turn three. It was a strong race from both drivers, with Hamilton showing a lot of chaacter to recover from a spin to finish so close to Nico.

This means Nico Rosberg now sits 17 points behind Lewis Hamilton, with Lewis only needing to finish second in Abu Dhabi's controversial double points race in two weeks to seal his second title. For Nico he has to win with Lewis finishing third or lower in order to win his maiden world title. As a lot of uncertainty surrounds Abu Dhabi, It could be an interesting one.

A rumour has arisen of Ferrari and Red Bull running three cars next season. If this is the case Fernando Alonso could certainly remain at Ferrari. But the decision on the Spaniard's future may not be determined by Abu Dhabi.