10 Memorable Moments From The F1 2014 Season Finale In Abu Dhabi

The 2014 F1 season is now over, and Lewis Hamilton has been crowned world champion for the second time in his career. The Englishman won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix under the lights at the Yas Marina Circuit, with his team-mate and title rival Nico Rosberg finishing in 14th.

The German started from pole position but lost the lead to Hamilton into turn one. He suffered an ERS failure mid-way through the race and dropped back. Despite giving it his all, he couldn’t finish in the points. Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas completed the podium for Williams. Here are 10 memorable moments from the race.

1. Hamilton takes the lead

Rosberg scored pole position on Saturday, but his hard work was undone at the start after a poor getaway from the grid. Hamilton had a near perfect launch and moved into the lead, while a slow start for Bottas – who started third – dropped him to eighth.

2. Who is this guy?

Fernando Alonso, competing in his final race for Ferrari, failed to jump Jenson Button at the first round of pit stops, after losing time behind Will Stevens. The Caterham driver made his F1 debut and was racing the Spaniard for position. “Who is this guy?” Alonso asked on the team radio, with Ferrari responding “the new guy.”

3. Rosberg loses power

An ERS problem mid-way through the race caused Rosberg to lose power. He quickly dropped into the clutches of Massa, as Mercedes frantically searched for a solution. One wasn’t found and he continued to fall down the field, despite his best attempts to stay in contention.

4. A fiery exit

Pastor Maldonado’s disappointing 2014 season came to an end in dramatic fashion on lap 26 after the back of his Lotus E22 caught fire.

5. Some exciting battles

Once again in 2014, we saw some fantastic on-track action and battles. Daniel Ricciardo put in some great overtakes, with Alonso and Jenson Button enjoying a close scrap – to name just a few.

6. Hamilton takes the win

Despite a late and unsuccessful challenge from Massa, Hamilton managed to take the chequered flag in first place to take his 11th win of the season and the 33rd of his career. With Rosberg down in 14th, Hamilton was crowned F1 champion for the second time.

7. Donuts!

Hamilton and Button both completed donuts after the race, entertaining the fans in the packed grandstands.

8. Respect for Rosberg

Hamilton was understandably emotional before and on the Abu Dhabi podium. In the green room before the drivers headed out to receive their trophies, Rosberg visited to congratulate Hamilton on taking the championship – a lovely gesture after such a tense title fight. Respect Rosberg, respect.

9. Ricciardo’s recovery

Massa and Bottas completed the top three, with Daniel Ricciardo putting in an incredible recovery drive to finish fourth after starting from the pit lane. Jenson Button was fifth in what could potentially be his final F1 race, securing McLaren fifth in the constructors’ championship.

Nico Hulkenberg, Sergio Perez, Sebastian Vettel – in his final race for Red Bull – were next up, while the two Ferrari drivers of Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen completed the top 10.

10. F1 2014 comes to a close

The sun has officially set on the 2014 season, although the F1 paddock will remain in Abu Dhabi for a test on Tuesday and Wednesday. In this dramatic year for the sport, what have been your favourite moments? Let us know in the comments.