Not most enjoyable race, but glad it's over: Rosberg

Nico Rosberg celebrates with his wife Vivian Sibold at the end of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday. - AFP

Nico Rosberg couldn't quite sum up his feelings after he had just become the Formula One World Champion as a rush of emotion kept swirling in his mind.
It was yet to sink in after his second place finish after an intense battle with Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton at the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, gave the German his first world title.
"World champion! Woohooo!" Rosberg screamed on the team radio.
After which, he thanked the team by saying: "Thank you so much guys, that's a childhood dream come true. Thank you so much!"
And at the podium ceremony, he tried his best to describe what went through his mind during those closing laps of the 55-lap race when Hamilton tactically slowed the pace down to let Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel have a go at Rosberg.
"That was definitely not the most enjoyable race I have ever had. With those guys coming up at the end, not very enjoyable those last few laps," said Rosberg.
"So, very glad it's over and unbelievably ecstatic. I want to give this win to my wife and daughter. You have been amazing and thank you for the support. I'll thank everyone else afterwards -unreal," he added.
Rosberg followed in his father Keke's footsteps in winning the World Championship after the latter had done it in 1982.
"I am very proud to have done the same feat as my dad achieved," he said.
Even though their relationship had turned frosty with a World Championship being on the line, Rosberg had good words for his teammate and rival Hamilton.
"I want to say congrats to Lewis, an unbelievable competitor, always tough to beat you," Rosberg said.
james@khaleejtimes.com