Got a TV Licence?

You need one to watch live TV on any channel or device, and BBC programmes on iPlayer. It’s the law.

Find out more
I don’t have a TV Licence.

Live Reporting

Lawrence Barretto

All times stated are UK

Get involved

  1. See you in 2015

    Lewis Hamilton

    And that was that. After eight months and 19 races, Lewis Hamilton won the final battle - and thus the war - to clinch his second world title, six years are his first.

    Now we've got the winter break before pre-season testing begins in 69 days' time. Forty one days after that, the 2015 season starts and we do it all over again. It'll be here before you know it.

    On the weekend of my 50th BBC Formula 1 live text commentary, I want to thank you for your company and contributions throughout the season - you've been awesome and I've had a blast.

    Until next year, it's goodnight me from. Bye!

  2. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Suzi Perry says that the team will be filming a review of the season show tomorrow and that'll be on your screens on 27th December. And with that, the final BBC F1 forum of the season draws to a close.

  3. Post update

    Suzi Perry

    BBC F1 presenter

    "We know Jules Bianchi is breathing and we send all our love out to him."

  4. Post update

    Eddie Jordan

    BBC F1 chief analyst

    "My moment of the year has been re-emergence of Williams. I feared we would lose them but Claire Williams has come in and turned them round. They were ninth last year and are a breath of fresh air. We need more people like them."

  5. Post update

    Lee McKenzie

    BBC F1 pit-lane reporter

    "These days don't happen very often. Nico was so gracious after everything he'd gone through. Hopefully in 20 years time they can sit down and have a smile. I was in the Mercedes garage with Nicole and the family and Nico gave them all a hug. They both appreciate what each other has done."

  6. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "There have been so many highs, but the standout moment was that Mercedes team management let drivers race wheel-to-wheel. Formula 1 has been very open to the fans of Formula 1 this season. That is my highlight, up there with Eddie Jordan getting a custard pie in the face."

  7. Post update

    Ben Edwards

    BBC F1 commentator

    BBC television

    "I'm exhausted. It's been a brilliant year and I've loved every second of it. It was the right result and Mercedes' year was unlike any other."

  8. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    "It's really going to take some time to sink in," adds Lewis Hamilton. "I don't know what I have next week but I hope to see family. At the end of the week we will have seat fitting but I might need a bit of bulking! I don't really drink so will let everyone else get obliterated.

    "As a driver you are always conscious of the possibilities of the car failure. It's not something you can prevent. We've had ups and downs and I did not know what was going to happen. But I had so much faith. I knew I could do it. I had faith God would keep it going.

    "I had no idea my family and Nicole were coming. I was messaging my dad last night and knew I had to be so selfish and did not want to involve them. But my dad messaged me. I said I wanted them here but either way I knew they would be.

    "I did not hear anything Prince Harry said. It was very cool, I'm very grateful. It's unreal, it's incredible."

  9. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    "It's been an unbelievable year," says Lewis Hamilton, talking to Suzi Perry. "It's phenomenal to be here. There's so much energy in the team. I did not know I could drive like I did today. It's got to be the best start I've ever done. It's what my heart has been yearning for all year."

    On joining Mercedes at the start of last season, Hamilton said: "It was a combination of meeting Niki in Singapore but when I met with Ross I understood what the team was for. Ross had a document with plans but Niki sealed the deal. I'm so grateful for those guys."

  10. Post update

    "It's surreal but it's magic," says Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams, following the team's third-placed finish in the constructors' championship. "But it's been an amazing year. I love my boys and girls. I couldn't be happier.

    "Frank will be in hospital thinking 'why are they so excited?'. It's all about winning and we want to do that next year. We want to make progress."

  11. Post update

    When asked about King Juan Carlos of Spain saying Fernando Alonso had told him he was going to McLaren next year, Alonso said smiling: "What the king says I cannot go against. The king is the king. He is always right."

  12. Post update

    Sebastian Vettel

    "This season has not been great," says Sebastian Vettel, who leaves Red Bull after five years to pursue a new era at Ferrari. "I'm not the happiest guy! It's been an incredible journey. You can never inspect four titles in a row. You get to know people in a good way and go through happy and sad days. I have learned a lot and am ready for the next step."

  13. Post update

    Suzi Perry

    BBC F1 presenter

    "The look on Lewis' face says it all, it's pure joy."

  14. Post update

    Allan McNish

    BBC Radio 5 live analyst

    Lewis Hamilton

    "Only one driver of the day, Lewis Hamilton, stunning day at the office."

  15. Post update

    A few Mercedes staff go rogue and crack open a few bottles of champagne to soak the new world champion Lewis Hamilton after all the photos are done and dusted.

  16. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    A few minutes later Lewis Hamilton comes out and takes a bow as the team applaud his achievement.

  17. Post update

    Nico Rosberg

    The Mercedes team chant Nico Rosberg's name as he strolls out to take his position for the end-of-season photo.

  18. Post update

    "I'm so happy to be here," says Felipe Massa, who finished a brilliant second. "Today was my best race of the season in terms of pace, looking after the tyres and everything. The podium was nice. Unfortunately we are just missing Frank [Williams] but I'm sure he is watching us.

    "It's amazing to see how much we've improved. We want to improve more. I'm really happy to be part of it. Things change quickly but I know how to win and be quick. I can hope I can have that for a long time."

  19. Post update

    Daniel Ricciardo

    "It was pretty much a faultless race," says Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo who finished fourth. "We did everything we needed to. It wasn't boring but one step better would have been nice from the pit-lane.

    "It's been a pretty much perfect year without holding a world title. It was nice to start and finish the season well."

  20. Post update

    "You want to be on the podium at least," says Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in his final race for the team. "I knew it would be tough. It summarises our season a little bit. It's mixed feelings leaving Ferrari. There are great people here.

    "It was a nice experience but I'm looking for better results than 10th. You will find out very soon where I will be driving - you are close!"

    Alonso is expected to join McLaren next season, the team which he spent a year with in 2007.

  21. Post update

    Mercedes

    Mercedes: Waiting for something guys? ;)

  22. Post update

    Suzi Perry

    BBC F1 presenter

    Fernando Alonso

    "Spanish TV have reported that Fernando Alonso told the King of Spain he would be joining McLaren next year."

  23. Post update

    Eddie Jordan

    Eddie Jordan gets a pie in the face from two of his former Jordan team employees. Bravely, he doesn't try to fight it.

  24. Post update

    Jennie Gow

    BBC Radio 5 live pit-lane reporter

    Jennie Gow

    "Jubilant scenes at Abu Dhabi for the Mercedes team. What a season and congrats to Lewis Hamilton."

  25. Post update

    Anthony Hamilton

    "If ever someone had told me when Lewis was eight he'd be a double champion I'd have called them a liar," says Anthony Hamilton. "I'm so proud. Thanks to the guys back home."

  26. Post update

    Nicole Scherzinger

    "We just flew here this morning to surprise him," says Lewis Hamilton's pop star girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger. "We were going to be here whatever happened. Today was meant to be. We will have a lot of party. We are the woo-hoo girls!"

    Woo-hoo girls? I don't know either...

  27. Post update

    Nic Hamilton

    "I did not expect it," says Lewis Hamilton's brother Nicholas. "We're brothers and try to inspire other. It's great how close we are as a family."

  28. Get involved #bbcf1

    Lewis Hamilton

    Sarah Burrow: Great job by Hamilton! Gutted for Rosberg, he did a great job to get the car home! #AbuDhabiGP #bbcf1 Roll on March 2015!

    Michael Gregson: Enormous respect for Nico Rosberg a sportsman and a gentleman. Sure he'll continue to challenge Lewis Hamilton in 2015!

  29. Post update

    "I just had sheer faith, messages from people and fans sending me stuff," says Lewis Hamilton. "I met someone in Washington who said I'd do it. We win together and lose together and many people have boosted me. I knew I could not give up on them.

    Lewis Hamilton

    "Nico has been a rival for the last two years and stepped up his game this year. I was thinking if any of the cars were to stop it would be mine. That's naturally what goes into your mind when you are in bed. But I went for a run to clear my mind.

    "I never imagined this. When I met Ron aged 10 I wanted to be a world champion but never looked beyond on that.

    "I was grateful for the one but I did not know. So many other things could affect the result but I just kept faith and said my prayers every day. This is a real platform to inspire people."

  30. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    "It doesn't register with me," says Lewis Hamilton when he is told he joins Sir Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark and Graham Hill as the only Britons to win more than one F1 title. "It doesn't feel real. I had no idea how it would go.

    "I woke up so early - 6am and I was thinking I had forever for the race. I knew anything could happen. I'm so happy for the energy people gave me, that made the difference.

    "Today I don't know how but compared to 2008 I was so much more relaxed. I hoped that was a positive - and it was. I felt so composed.

    "I wanted to battle to the end but will take what we had. Nico put on an incredible charge and I'm grateful I had a good battle."

  31. Post update

    Prime Minister David Cameron on Twitter: Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton on winning the #AbuDhabiGP and his second #F1 world title. A great day for British motorsport.

  32. Post update

    "At the end we are living for the fans who are living for motor sport," says Mercedes chairman Dieter Zetsche. "We lose it if we give team orders. Ultimately it was great for the sport that they could fight it out.

    Dieter Zetsche

    "These two are great human beings and they represented the Mercedes brand well."

  33. Post update

    BBC

    And here's the final 2014 Formula 1 Constructors' World Championship standings. It was a super performance by Mercedes to clinch the title while Williams performed a brilliant turnaround to finish third this season.

  34. Post update

    Drivers' championship

    So here's what the final 2014 Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship looks.

  35. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix result

    1) Lewis Hamilton 2) Felipe Massa 3) Valtteri Bottas 4) Daniel Ricciardo 5) Jenson Button 6) Nico Hulkenberg 7) Sergio Perez 8) Sebastian Vettel 9) Fernando Alonso 10) Kimi Raikkonen

    11) Kevin Magnussen 12) Jean-Eric Vergne 13) Romain Grosjean 14) Nico Rosberg 15) Esteban Gutierrez 16) Adrian Sutil 17) Will Stevens

    DNF: Kamui Kobayashi, Pastor Maldonado, Daniil Kvyat

  36. Post update

    Caterham team

    Caterham on Twitter: THANK YOU everyone. With love, @CaterhamF1

  37. Post update

    Niki Lauda

    Niki Lauda insists that Mercedes will extend Lewis Hamilton's contract for "more years". The Briton's contract expires at the end of next season.

  38. Post update

    This was the first race this year that Nico Rosberg has crossed the line in a position other than first or second. The German was 14th today after a power issue with his Mercedes.

  39. Post update

    Paddy Lowe

    "So many people have put together a car of such dominance we could never have imagined," says Mercedes co-team boss Paddy Lowe.

  40. Post update

    The champagne is flowing in the Mercedes garage as Suzi, DC and EJ speak to all members of the team from the chap who looks after the drivers' laundry to Paddy Lowe who co-runs the team.

  41. Post update

    Red Bull

    Red Bull: Seb - it's been special.

  42. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 11 minutes

    Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa, Valtteri Bottas and Toto Wolff

    Our man Michael Cunliffe has been busy in the edit suite and has already pulled together 11 minutes of highlights of today's title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Feast your eyes here.

  43. Post update

    We're all done on BBC One - but that's not the end of it. We have the Forum to enjoy so get stuck into the celebrations and don't go anywhere.

  44. Post update

    McLaren: Huge congrats to our old mate Lewis Hamilton, brilliant season and worthy Double World Champion.

  45. Post update

    Jenson Button has just given a hugely emotional interview to Lee McKenzie where he insists that he "hasn't finished yet" but there's almost an air of resignation that it is done and dusted. "It was tough," says Button, who finished fifth. "I don't think we had much pace but made the best of what we had.

    Jenson Button

    "That was as good as it was going to be - that's all you can ask. I don't need to say anything to the team. The support has been unbelievable, overwhelming and hopefully I put on a good show.

    "One race should not define my career or show whether I have a future in Formula 1. I've not been treating it like a last race. You just focus on what you are doing. I always live in the moment but for people around me there is more time for them to think.

    "I haven't finished yet! It's been a good day for me but a much better day for my old team-mate and buddy Lewis Hamilton so congratulations."

  46. Post update

    Anthony Hamilton

    "I feel great but I haven't got a glass of champagne yet," says Lewis Hamilton's father Anthony Hamilton, who only flew in this morning. "He's had a tough year, things have gone against him but I always said to him 'keep strong and keep believing'. And he did.

    "His performances this year are all about him. He started the season his own man. Every now and again we need a helping hand and someone to say you're on the right road. But otherwise it's been all down to him.

    "The comeback at Silverstone is probably one of the highlights. In his bedroom on Saturday night he felt he'd let the whole of the UK down and he came back."

  47. Watch as Hamilton takes his place among the greats

    Lewis Hamilton

    So Lewis Hamilton becomes a multiple Formula 1 world champion, joining a roll-call of greats comprising Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Jack Brabham, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.

    Re-live the moment he got the job done here.

  48. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Actor John Hurt: Very sorry for Nico Rosberg's problems today, but thrilled to be congratulating Lewis Hamilton on his 2nd World Championship!

  49. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    British 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell: Congratulations to Lewis, brilliant race for him, great championship for him. Happy for him, sorry for Nico. Both Class Acts.

  50. Post update

    "We are not doing it on purpose," says Mercedes' executive director Toto Wolff. "It's bitter sweet. Nico did not have a great start but he showed great sportsmanship.

    Toto Wolff

    "He will have a lot of new fans. We have a world champion who deserved to be a world champion.

    "Nico probably had the strongest team-mate you can have. Nico scored more qualifying points which was Lewis' discipline. We expect the battle to continue.

    "We would like to sign Lewis up for a long time. He fits in so well with the team. When he wakes up tomorrow after a long night we will talk contracts."

  51. Get involved #bbcf1

    Jon Punshon: Nice to see #Rosberg so supportive of #Hamiltons win! Perhaps next year will be his year! Keep your head up, you did good overall!

    Lewis Hamilton

    Steve Stretton: Lewis Hamilton 2 x Formula 1 World Champion. Best feeling since Brazil 2008! What a tremendous drive to win the title!

    Helen Cooper: Well done Lewis Hamilton!!! Do feel for Nico though.

  52. Post update

    "There were lots of British fans and to get their respect and support was nice to see," adds Nico Rosberg. "The attitude and everything was awesome throughout the weekend.

    "I still believed for a long time. There was always the possibility that Lewis would get something wrong with his car. I never give up and always push and that's why I wanted to finished.

    "It's been an intense battle but a great battle. I race for battles like that. Lewis has been the best and it has been a great challenge. Most of the time it has been extremely enjoyable.

    "It's pretty easy to come back next year. I will be testing Tuesday - although I don't know what state I will be in."

  53. Post update

    Nico rosberg

    "I'm very disappointed," says Nico Rosberg. "All in all, Lewis deserved to win the championship. What happened to me had no impact, it did not change anything so there is no point focusing on that.

    "He did just a little bit better than me. The positive is I've been the better qualifier over the last two years and that gives me a good base. I came very close and it is a pity it did not work out. I'm proud to have been here with the team.

    "It's been very intense, a very special weekend for me with so much support."

  54. Post update

    "All the Brits have to be happy," says Mercedes' non-executive chairman and three-times world champion Niki Lauda. "It was an absolutely fantastic performance from Lewis. The best guy won it. Thank you Lewis.

    Niki Lauda

    "Nico did a perfect race and I'm really upset with what happened. We have to check the issue. It's a little hard for me.

    "I think Prince Harry liked it. All the Royal Family is behind him. I'm really happy for Lewis, we gave him a good car and he fulfilled my promise to make him world champion."

  55. Post update

    At the end of the race, Jenson Button did a few donuts to celebrate a solid fifth place. Is this the final time we'll see the 2009 world champion compete at the highest level of motorsport?

    It's been quite a finish to the year for the McLaren driver, who has finished in the top five in four of the last five races. He finishes eighth in the championship with 126 points, more than double that of his team-mate Kevin Magnussen.

  56. Post update

    Eddie Jordan

    BBC F1 chief analyst

    "No-one wanted to see the demise of Nico. It was a shame. But he accepted it as a true sportsman."

  57. Post update

    Eddie Jordan

    BBC F1 chief analyst

    "The first corner was a huge moment. It lifted all the pressure off Lewis."

  58. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    Lewis Hamilton

    "Lewis is so gently spoken, reserved and a lot of people were looking for chinks in the armour."

  59. Post update

    The final word goes to Lewis Hamilton. What happens now? "I don't know what will happen," he says. "This is the greatest day of my life and that's due to people around me.

    "2008 was special but the feeling I have now is above and beyond. It's the greatest feeling I've ever had. Thanks so much everyone."

  60. Post update

    Valtteri Bottas' third place means Williams have two cars on the podium for the first time since the 2005 Monaco Grand Prix and a deserved reward having produced a brilliant car this season. The Finn had remarkable consistency this season, scoring in 17 out of 19 races.

  61. Post update

    Bottas

    "I always like to be here [on the podium], says Valtteri Bottas, who finished third. "It would do for us this season.

    "It's been an amazing year, we are improving and getting stronger. This last race shows just how far we are going.

    "I'm really thankful I can be part of this team and I can drive this car."

  62. Post update

    Felipe Massa's second place is his best result since the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix. It's also the first time since 2010 that the Brazilian has claimed three podiums in a season.

  63. Post update

    "Thank you everyone and Lewis well done, congratulations, you deserve it," says Felipe Massa, who finished second. "It was a very good race for us. I did not expect to have that pace. I was able to keep the tyres for long parts of the race.

    Felipe Massa

    "We tried an option tyre [at the end] and unfortunately Lewis was a bit too far. We were close. With 10 laps to go I was a second quicker and I thought I could win the race. But the tyres degraded a bit and did not have enough of a gap.

    "It was a fantastic job for the team and I'm so proud to be racing for Williams. This is just the beginning."

  64. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    "I've been lost for words but I want to thank the fans," says an emotional Lewis Hamilton. "It's made such a difference. And to my family: I love you guys. And to my team thank you. It feels even more than the first time.

    "It was a good start, probably the best start I'd ever had. Going into the race I had a couple of different options. If it was ahead I knew I had to race. Qualifying wasn't perfect but we got it right for the race.

    "Nico put on an incredible fight throughout the year. We met in 1997 and always thought we would be competing together. He was graceful enough to come up to congratulate me. He just came into the room, very professional and he said: 'you drove really well.' And the same for him."

  65. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton's victory in Abu Dhabi today is the 33rd of his career, moving into fifth on the all-time list and ahead of Ferrari's double world champion Fernando Alonso.

  66. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton's 11th win of the season, making him the first non-German driver ever to win that many races in one year. Michael Schumacher (2002, 2004) and Sebastian Vettel (2011, 2013) were those who had previously achieved the feat.

  67. Get involved #bbcf1

    Megan: Ahh Hamilton tearing up makes me tear up. Well done Lewis!

    Ollie: Lewwwwwis hammmilltooon! Get in! Deserves to be world champion!

  68. Post update

    Ben Edwards

    BBC F1 commentator

    Lewis Hamilton

    "It's non alcoholic fizz here in Abu Dhabi but it still sprays and tastes good!"

  69. Post update

    Nicole Scherzinger

    Lewis Hamilton drenches his family and team beneath the podium and then Mercedes co-team boss Toto Wolff grabs a bottle and empties the rest of its contents over the new world champion.

  70. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton strikes his chest on the podium as he reflects on what he has just achieved. The Briton, after six years of waiting, has another world title for his collection.

  71. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Andy Murray: Congrats to Lewis Hamilton on winning another world title, well deserved.

  72. Post update

    Athlete Adam Gemili: So happy for @LewisHamilton on becoming World Champion again, what a legend!!!

  73. Post update

    Lewis and Filipe Massa

    "Not bad for an old man," said Felipe Massa as he crossed the line to finish second. He pats his former title rival Lewis Hamilton on the back as they await the podium ceremony.

  74. Post update

    Touching embrace between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff in the pre-podium room. And then a nice gesture from Nico Rosberg, who has headed up there to shake Hamilton's hand.

    Lewis and Nico
  75. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "The way Lewis celebrates, you know just how much it means to him."

  76. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton parks his Mercedes in parc ferme and rushes over to embrace Nicole Scherzinger, his father, step mum and brother.

  77. Team radio

    Mercedes co-team boss Paddy Lowe to Nico Rosberg: "Sorry it did not work out today but you drove like a champion all year."

  78. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton becomes only the fourth British driver to win more than one Formula 1 world title. He joins Sir Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark and Graham Hill. He is also the 16th driver ever to achieve the feat.

  79. Team radio

    Prince Harry

    Prince Harry: "Thank you very much Lewis for not letting the British public down.

    Lewis Hamilton: "Woooooaaahh world champion, oh my god, can't believe it, thanks everyone."

    Prince Harry: "Well done Lewis you are a legend."

  80. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Prince Harry congratulates Lewis Hamilton on the team radio as the Briton does a couple of donuts to celebrate before stopping to pick up a British flag from a marshal.

  81. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton holds off Felipe Massa to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - his 11th victory of the season.

  82. Post update

    James Allen

    BBC Radio 5 live commentator

    "At the age of 29 Lewis Hamilton goes even further in the global superstar status that goes with being a multiple Formula 1 world champion. A brilliant season capped off with a win."

  83. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    Lewis Hamilton

    "It's been a fantastic performance, the nerves have been taken to the limit, but Britain will have another world champion."

  84. Chequered flag

    Lewis Hamilton

    LEWIS HAMILTON IS THE 2014 FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPION.

  85. Lap 55

    Lewis Hamilton starts the final lap with a 3.3 second lead over Felipe Massa. It looks certain now that Hamilton will win this race - and more importantly the 2014 Formula 1 World Championship.

  86. Lap 54

    Nice touch from Nico Rosberg there. The German is down in 13th, his title chance over, but he still wants to get to the line like a pro.

  87. Team Radio

    Nico Rosberg's race engineer: "Box, box, box, too many problems with the car.

    Nico Rosberg

    Nico Rosberg: "I'd like to go to the end.

    Nico Rosberg's race engineer: "Standby, standby ... continue."

  88. Lap 53

    Mercedes co-team boss Toto Wolff heads over to the team wall, with Felipe Massa still on a charge. He's got the gap down to three seconds. Meanwhile, BBC F1 pit lane reporter Tom Clarkson reports they are clearing a space in Rosberg's garage.

  89. Post update

    Ben Edwards

    BBC F1 commentator

    "Hamilton will lap Rosberg at this rate. He knows he is safe but wants to go out in style."

  90. Post update

    Mercedes: He's giving it all he's got, but Nico Rosberg is powerless (literally) to resist overtakes. Not like this - not like this...

  91. Lap 52

    What a finish this is from Felipe Massa, now just 3.8 seconds. I think Lewis Hamilton has done enough, but Massa is not giving this up without a fight. He wants that first win since 2008. Hamilton, though, is taking it very steady.

  92. Team Radio

    Lewis Hamilton's race engineer: "Lewis, Nico is not a threat now."

  93. Lap 51

    Nico Rosberg

    It's going to be a grandstand finish as Felipe Massa closes to within 4.6 seconds of Lewis Hamilton in the battle for the lead. Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg has slowed dramatically and is down to 13th.

  94. Cinq tours de la fin...

    Sit up straight, hands in your laps. It's time to pay attention for the final five.

    Can Lewis Hamilton keep it going to the flag? Will Felipe Massa earn what would be a very popular win?

    Here's your top 10 check:

    1) Ham 2) Mas 3) Bot 4) Ric 5) But 6) Hul 7) Ros 8) Per 9) Vet 10 Alo

  95. Post update

    Caterham

    Caterham: Kamui explains he felt "a lot of vibrations" during last couple of laps and car was becoming un drivable.

  96. Lap 50

    Nicole Scherzinger

    Felipe Massa now 5.8 seconds behind race leader Lewis Hamilton. "It's impressive stuff from the Williams team," says BBC co-commentator David Coulthard.

    Hamilton's girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger can feel the tension. Just five laps to go.

  97. Lap 49

    Nico Rosberg is currently seventh, with Lewis Hamilton leading. So as it stands, Hamilton will win the title. But what if Felipe Massa catches Hamilton and the two bang wheels, forcing Hamilton out? That would mean Rosberg would only need fifth to win the title. Just saying.

  98. Lap 48

    Felipe Massa continues to hunt Lewis Hamilton down, the gap now just 6.8 seconds with seven laps remaining.

  99. Post update

    Williams: Felipe told there is no threat from behind so he is just racing to the finish!

  100. Championship as it stands

    1 Lewis Hamilton(Mercedes) 334 (+50pts) = 384 CHAMPION

    2 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 317 (+12) = 329

    3 Daniel Ricciardo(Red Bull) 214 (+30) = 244

  101. Get involved #bbcf1

    Natalie Hoffman: Don't feel sorry for Nico. It's the final race of the season. Reliability was always gonna be a possible issue. Look at Pastor's car!

    Jamie Lee: Shame Nico Rosberg is battling with his car further down the grid instead of a championship battle with Lewis Hamilton.

  102. Lap 47

    Another fastest lap from Felipe Massa and the Brazilian is now just 8.3 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton! Eight laps to go.

  103. Lap 46

    Niko Hulkenburg

    Felipe Massa sets the fastest lap of the race to cut the gap to Lewis Hamilton to 10.3 seconds. Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg cruises past Nico Rosberg in a wounded Mercedes to snatch seventh. It was all too easy.

  104. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "Rosberg is driving with a wounded car. It's impressive how he is being able to manage all the problems he's had."

  105. Lap 45

    "You're on for possibly P5 if you can keep Nico Hulkenberg behind," Mercedes' Nico Rosberg tells his charge. That's going to be quite a challenge because the Force India is lapping very quickly on the super-softs.

  106. Post update

    Ben Edwards

    BBC F1 commentator

    "I think Williams see an opportunity - they can put some pressure on for a victory."

  107. Lap 44

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton is told that Felipe Massa has fitted the super-soft tyres so he needs to keep the pace up. The Briton leads Massa by 10.8 seconds.

  108. Lap 43

    Lewis Hamilton

    Felipe Massa pits from the lead and rejoins in second, 11 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton. Massa has chosen the super-soft tyres. Is the Brazilian going to try and hunt Hamilton down? Game on!

  109. Lap 42

    Lewis Hamilton has got the gap down to Felipe Massa to 13.6 seconds with Daniel Ricciardo 24.1 seconds further back.

  110. Team Radio

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton: "Please don't turn up the car! Leave it alone, it's all working perfectly."

  111. Lap 41

    Nico Rosberg is up to seventh after Sergio Perez pits, but his title challenge is all but over as he continues to fall back.

  112. Team Radio

    Nico Rosberg

    Nico Rosberg: "Hey guys what's going on? The car switched off and now the throttle's all over the place. Get my brake pedal back now please!"

  113. Lap 40

    Felipe Massa's late first pit stop means he's going very deep into this race. The Brazilian is 14.2 seconds clear of Lewis Hamilton with Daniel Ricciardo 23.8secs further back. Fifteen laps to go.

  114. Watch the moment Rosberg's title hopes took a big hit

    Nico Rosberg's outside chance of denying Lewis Hamilton the title took a hit when his car developed a problem with its ERS.

    Re-live the moment when the problem struck here.

  115. Lap 39

    Nico rosberg

    Nico Rosberg has dropped down to eighth and is now lapping slower than everyone else on track. It's all gone wrong for the German.

  116. Text us on 81111

    Jamie Pragnell in Eastleigh: When Lewis Hamilton last won the title in 2008 in Brazil, it was Felipe Massa who won the race.....could exactly the same thing be about to happen again?

  117. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "Hamilton is now bringing the gap down to Massa. He's looking calm and cool right now. He is absolutely focused, there are no signs of him blinking."

  118. Championship as it stands

    1 Lewis Hamilton(Mercedes) 334 (+36pts) = 370 CHAMPION

    2 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 317 (+8) = 325

    3 Daniel Ricciardo(Red Bull) 214 (+30) = 244

  119. Lap 38

    Bottas

    Valtteri Bottas is flying in fourth. The Finn has recently pitted for a fresh set of soft tyres and is now hunting down Daniel Ricciardo having set the fastest lap of the race.

  120. Post update

    Ben Edwards

    BBC F1 commentator

    "It's looking tough for Nico now to get the top five."

  121. Team radio

    Nico Rosberg: "How am I looking for that position I need in case Lewis drops out?"

    Race engineer: "It's not good at the moment."

    Nico Rosberg: "What the hell does that mean? What can I do?"

    Race engineer: "Just drive flat out, Nico."

  122. Post update

    Nigel Mansell: For all of us race fans it's so frustrating to have car problems in any race least of all this final race, so disappointing for Nico.

  123. Lap 37

    The end of this race is in sight and suddenly Felipe Massa is in with more than a sniff of victory. His lead over Lewis Hamilton is just under 16 seconds, although the Brazilian has a pit stop to come.

    Even when that stop happens, it's going to be mighty close between the pair, with Massa set to be on much fresher tyres. Don't forget these two fought for the title in 2008, with Hamilton snatching it at the death in Brazil.

    Here's the top 10: 1) Mas 2) Ham 3) Ric 4) Bot 5) Per 6) Hul 7) Ros 8) Vet 9) But 10 Alo

  124. Get involved #bbcf1

    Abu Dhabi

    Jeremiah Kariuki: Seems Lewis problem is sorted out, but shame Nico's is not. Shame we won't be entertained by wheel to wheel racing between the two.

    Dave Green: I'm not sure Rosberg would be in with a chance of winning this race even with a fully functional car. Lewis has the pace, clearly.

  125. Post update

    Mercedes: To confirm - Nico Rosberg has lost ERS. No hybrid power and battling turbo lag. Doing a heroic job to even keep the car running.

  126. Lap 36

    Niki Lauda

    Tense scenes in the Mercedes motorhome, with Anthony Hamilton and non-executive chairman Niki Lauda following the action on TV.

    Lewis Hamilton trails race leader Felipe Massa by 15 seconds with 19 laps remaining.

  127. Lap 35

    Nico Rosberg pits and rejoins in seventh, behind the Force Indias of Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg.

  128. Post update

    James Allen

    BBC Radio 5 live commentator

    Nico rosberg

    "As long as Rosberg finishes in the top five, if Hamilton retires then Rosberg could still be world champion."

  129. Lap 34

    Lewis Hamilton says he needs to pick up his pace. "Tell me what I have to do," he adds. His engineer replies: "Low 1m47s." That's exactly what he delivers on the next lap. Hamilton wants to win this race - he isn't interested in second.

  130. Post update

    Force India: Checo looks in his mirrors and he can see the biggest smile in F1 closing on him. Battling with RIC for P5 now!

  131. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "Surely Mercedes want to win the last Grand Prix of the season. They are in it not only for technical reasons but marketing too."

  132. Team Radio

    Nico Rosberg: "Just get me in the top five or six."

  133. Post update

    Ben Edwards

    BBC F1 commentator

    "Mercedes are hunting a record 16th win of the season."

  134. Lap 33

    Felipe Massa

    There is every chance that Felipe Massa is going to win the grand prix. The Brazilian, who has not won a race since the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, leads Lewis Hamilton by 15.1 seconds - and still has to pit.

    Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas passes the stricken Mercedes of Nico Rosberg for third.

  135. Lap 32

    Hamilton and Rosberg

    Lewis Hamilton passes Nico Rosberg for second without any problems. The team have turned Hamilton's engine down, probably as a precaution following Rosberg's problem, which explains why Hamilton's pace has dropped off.

  136. Post update

    Tom Clarkson

    BBC F1 pit-lane reporter

    In the Mercedes garage: "Both drivers are using power units on only their third race weekend. They are not long in the tooth. We don't know if Lewis has a problem but if he does that will be disappointing for Mercedes who tried to guarantee reliability."

  137. Lap 31

    Lewis Hamilton pits from the race leader. His brother Nicholas is out of the garage, arms folded while watching the stop take place. It's decent, but not spectacular and he's soon on his way.

  138. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "Has there been an issue with Lewis? He's losing a lot of time. Massa is hunting down Hamilton."

  139. Lap 30

    Lewis Hamilton is losing a bunch of time! Felipe Massa is hunting down the race leader! The gap is down to nine seconds! The Brazilian just took two seconds out of Hamilton on that last lap.

  140. Post update

    Mercedes: Unbelievably calm and detailed feedback from Nico Rosberg - his campaign is on the line and he's still right on it! What a fighter!

  141. Lap 29

    Button and Alonso

    Super battle between Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, with the two former world champions squabbling over 10th place. Button bravely defends through a sequence of corners, but he's forced into a mistake under pressure allowing Alonso to take the position.

  142. Get involved #bbcf1

    Tom Beck: As much as I want compatriot Lewis to win WC, I don't want to see technical issues affect Nico's chances.

    Colin White: Shame it looks like a race where a mechanical breakdown or pit stops will make whats happening on the track exciting.

  143. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    Pastor Maldonado

    "That will have given some great images for any photographer."

  144. Post update

    James Allen

    BBC Radio 5 live commentator

    Pastor Maldonado

    "Pastor Maldonado looks very calm indeed, considering the back of his car is a barbecue."

  145. Lap 28

    Maldonado

    Lewis Hamilton leads Felipe Massa by 13.8 seconds, with Nico Rosberg 2.6 seconds further back. Valtteri Bottas is catching Rosberg at a rate of four seconds a lap at the moment. The gap is down to 13.2 seconds.

    Meanwhile, Pastor Maldonado's season ends in a plume of smoke as the Venezuelan pulls off track with the rear of his Lotus flaming.

  146. Team Radio

    Nico rosberg

    Nico Rosberg: "It feels like more than the ERS. I'm literally holding back. Please investigate now please. It's more than the ERS."

  147. Lap 27

    Nico Rosberg tells his engineer that it's not just ERS that is not working. "Can you investigate that now, please? And then tell me what to do."

    Moments later, Felipe Massa passes Rosberg to take second. There was nothing the German could do.

  148. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "It shouldn't take anything away from it but Nico was not doing enough to win this world title. There's a significant power difference now between the two cars."

  149. Post update

    Jennie Gow

    BBC Radio 5 live pit-lane reporter

    "The Mercedes engineers are trying to work out what to do. Can they reboot this? It's like a broken computer."

  150. Lap 26

    Nico Rosberg is dropping back into the path of Felipe Massa in third. The gap between the pair is down to 2.6 seconds. Rosberg trails Hamilton by 10.9 seconds.

  151. Lap 25

    Nico Rosberg is now 7.1 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton. His Mercedes team tells him that ERS has failed. "He's going to be in so much trouble now," says BBC co-commentator David Coulthard.

  152. Lap 24

    Nico rosberg

    Nico Rosberg reports that he is losing engine power. Is it all over?

  153. Post update

    James Allen

    BBC Radio 5 live commentator

    "The championship is slipping away here for Nico Rosberg."

  154. Lap 23

    Massive lock up for Nico Rosberg, the German pushing a bit too hard and running off track before rejoining. He lost about a second with that mistake and is now 3.9 seconds adrift of race leader and title rival Lewis Hamilton.

  155. Championship as it stands

    It's hardly earth-shattering news but it's worth recording that as things stand Lewis Hamilton would be your world champion for 2014, ending the campaign with a 31-point advantage over Nico Rosberg.

    1 Lewis Hamilton(Mercedes) 334 (+50pts) = 384

    2 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 317 (+36) = 353

    3 Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) 214 (+24) = 238

  156. Lap 22

    Lewis Hamilton leads Nico Rosberg by 2.6 seconds with Felipe Massa 9.1 seconds adrift in third. It's a solid drive from Williams' Massa, who is 17.9 seconds clear of Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo in fourth.

  157. Text us on 81111

    Ryan: Watching the text commentary at a christening trying to do it secretly comes on Lewis!

    Tom: Watching the GP whilst drawing Christmas Cards! Procrastination evident.

    David P: Following the race on the BBC Sport app in a taxi on the way to Heathrow! Come on Lewis!

  158. Lap 21

    Sebastian Vettel

    Kevin Magnussen and Sebastian Vettel pit from sixth and seventh respectively, meaning only Daniel Ricciardo has yet to pit this afternoon.

  159. Post update

    Mercedes

    Mercedes: We've got company... #SpotTheCelebs

  160. Lap 20

    So it's all going to plan for Lewis Hamilton right now, with the Briton leading Nico Rosberg with 35 laps to go. If things stay like this, Hamilton will be crowned world champion. Even if Rosberg passes Hamilton, the Briton will still win the title.

  161. Lap 19

    Kevin Magnussen is back up the field in sixth, with Sebastian Vettel,Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso all in close proximity. It's also allowing Kimi Raikkonen in 10th to catch the quartet.

  162. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    Nico Rosberg

    "Is this Hamilton playing the long game? Rosberg may have got more of the pace here this weekend."

  163. Lap 18

    Nico rosberg

    Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are trading lap times at the moment, with the gap down to 2.5 seconds. There's still 37 laps to go.

  164. Text us on 81111

    Rohan in London: Maybe I'll meet Rhys and Jamie today! All missing F1 for labour ward.

    Crucial question is, will the newborn be named Nico or Lewis?

  165. Post update

    Sauber

    Sauber: The sun is going down, time to put the lights on.

  166. Lap 17

    Daniel Ricciardo in fourth, Kevin Magnussen in sixth and Sebastian Vettel in seventh are the only drivers who have yet to stop.

    Up front, Lewis Hamilton leads Nico Rosberg by 2.6 seconds. Felipe Massa is 5.7 seconds further back.

  167. Text us on 81111

    Luke: Watching the race in a pub as the car broke down, winning!!!!

    Duncan: Foolishly volunteered to be the expedition supervisor for my daughter's Duke of Edinburgh Award. Currently sat at the back of a workshop, during a full day's training, following the GP via live text on my mobile like a naughty school boy.

  168. Lap 16

    Daniil Kvyat

    Lewis Hamilton leads Nico Rosberg by 2.3 seconds, with Felipe Massa a further 5.4 adrift.

    Meanwhile, Daniil Kvyat has pulled off the track in his Toro Rosso.

    Top 10: 1) HAM 2) ROS 3) MAS 4) RIC 5) BOT 6) MAG 7) VET 8) BUT 9) ALO 10) RAI

  169. Team Radio

    Valtteri Bottas: "There is a pit board on the track!"

  170. Lap 15

    Formula 1

    After a brilliant start to run fourth, Jenson Button finds himself 10th after a flurry of pit stops. Here's how they stand.

    1) Ham 2) Ros 3) Mas 4) Hul 5) Ric 6) Per 7) Bot 8) Mag 9) Vet 10) But

  171. Get involved #bbcf1

    Bishop Yinkus: A heart in the mouth wheel to wheel drive from Vergne and Riciardo.... Loving the last race of the season.

    Alex: Top stuff between Vergne and Ric, love seeing that, awesome.

  172. Lap 14

    Felipe Massa pits from the lead and rejoins in third. Lewis Hamilton retakes the lead with Nico Rosberg second.

  173. Re-live Lewis' flying start

    Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

    If you missed it earlier, you can watch Lewis Hamilton's flying getaway to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix here.

  174. Lap 13

    Ricciardo

    What a tussle between former team-mates Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne. Ricciardo barges his way down the inside at the hairpin, and though Vergne gives him the squeeze, Ricciardo comes out ahead.

    However, Vergne cuts back and has a stab back down the inside at the next corner. It works and Vergne hangs the Australian out to dry on the exit to retain sixth place. Super driving from the Frenchman who is fighting for his career.

  175. Lap 12

    Felipe Massa leads the race by 15.3 seconds, with Lewis Hamilton second and Nico Rosberg third. Massa, however, has yet to pit.

  176. Post update

    Tom Clarkson

    BBC F1 pit-lane reporter

    From the Mercedes garage: "It all looked remarkably calm. That's what has really struck me about this garage. It's all under control in here."

  177. Lap 11

    Nico Rosberg

    The stewards have decided to penalise Nico Hulkenberg for the incident with Kevin Magnussen. The German has been given a five-second penalty which he will take at his pit stop. Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg pits and rejoins in third behind Lewis Hamilton with Felipe Massa leading the race.

  178. Text us on 81111

    Jamie: I'm with Rhys! missing F1. Today's excitement is in the labour ward.

  179. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "Rich one is an engine mix (with regards a message to Lewis Hamilton). Rosberg will probably be coming in next lap."

  180. Lap 10

    Not for the first time this season, Kevin Magnussen is under investigation for an incident on the first lap when he clashed with Force India's Nico Hulkenberg.

    Lewis Hamilton

    Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton pits from the lead. It's a good stop from Mercedes and he rejoins in third.

  181. Lap nine

    Lewis Hamilton is told that it's almost time for his pit stop, they are just waiting for the window to clear. That will probably be Valtteri Bottas, who is 18 seconds behind and yet to stop. They'll want to come out ahead of him.

  182. Lap eight

    Lap nine

    Valtteri Bottas is back up to fourth, after several cars in front of him pitted. However, he is 10.7 seconds behind Williams team-mate Felipe Massa, which shows how much that poor start cost him. Bottas is told that those who pitted are stuck in traffic, which is good news for their strategy.

  183. Text us on 81111

    Rhys: Wife's waters have broken! I only got to see the start and we're off to hospital! Go on Lewis!! I'll be back as soon as I can.....

  184. Post update

    Allan McNish

    BBC Radio 5 live analyst

    "Lap seven of 55 is very early for a pit stop. It could be two or it could be three pit stops."

    Jenson Button
  185. Lap Seven

    The Mercedes are in a league of their own at the moment, lapping around two seconds quicker than anyone else apart from Felipe Massa's Williams. Lewis Hamilton leads Nico Rosberg by 1.7 seconds.

  186. Lap Six

    Fernando Alonso is in early, ditching the super-soft tyres for the softs. Meanwhile, Jenson Button is told to box at the end of the lap, too. He's currently fourth in the McLaren.

  187. Lap Five

    Fernando Alonso

    Fernando Alonso passes Kimi Raikkonen with a brilliant move around the outside for fifth. Daniil Kvyat sniffs a chance and steals sixth. Raikkonen down to seventh in the space of two corners. Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo passes Adrian Sutil and Kamui Kobayashi in one move for 15th.

  188. Post update

    Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton clear of the DRS range now - Nico Rosberg starting to settle into his rhythm. There's a long way to go yet...

  189. Post update

    Ben Edwards

    BBC F1 commentator

    "I'm sure Hamilton will try to win this race as slowly as possible - he wants the reliability."

  190. Lap Four

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton extends his advantage to 1.7 seconds of Nico Rosberg, with Felipe Massa 3.1 seconds adrift.

  191. Get involved #bbcf1

    Abu Dhabi

    Paul: The whole season summed up in one corner. Rosberg is quick but Hamilton is the better racer. Game on.

    Emily Russell: Superb start from Lewis Hamilton. I do want him to win the title but primarily today I'm cheering on the Williams boys. Come on!

    David McMillan: Great start from Lewis. It is now officially squeaky bum time.

  192. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "I wouldn't be surprised if there was a 'yee-ha' inside Lewis' crash helmet."

  193. Post update

    James Allen

    BBC Radio 5 live commentator

    "That is a dream start for Lewis Hamilton. The situation is exactly as he would have wanted."

  194. Lap Three

    Romain Grosjean heads into the pits to take his drive-through penalty, which is a carry over from his engine change. The Frenchman rejoins in 20th.

    Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel, who started from the pit-lane, have made little progress. They're only 17th and 18th respectively.

    And now Lewis Hamilton leads by 1.6 seconds from Nico Rosberg with 52 laps to go.

  195. Post update

    Allan McNish

    BBC Radio 5 live analyst

    Lewis Hamilton

    "Right now Hamilton's got control of the race. Now he can control what Rosberg does rather than the other way around. Now Rosberg must pass Hamilton if he's got any chance of being world champion."

  196. Lap Two

    A fan in one of the grandstands punches the air as Lewis Hamilton flies past in the lead. The Briton extends his advantage over Nico Rosberg to 1.4 seconds, with Felipe Massa 2.1 seconds adrift.

  197. Lap One

    lap one

    Jenson Button, whose could well be contending his final race, made a blistering start to rise up two places to fourth, he's ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alondo with Valtteri Bottas down to seventh.

    Lewis Hamilton leads Nico Rosberg by 1.2 seconds after just one lap.

  198. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "It was a text book start and he launched off second place. You can feel that sinking feeling for Nico Rosberg."

  199. Post update

    What a start from Lewis Hamilton! The Briton powers away from P2 to take the lead into Turn One! Nico Rosberg fends of Felipe Massa to hold on to second, but are his title chances over already?

    Start
  200. Go! Go! Go!

    One light, two lights, three lights, four lights, five lights! The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is go, go, go!

  201. Post update

    Tom Clarkson

    BBC F1 pit-lane reporter

    "I'm in a very special place, the back of the Mercedes garage and it is very tense. There are no words being said."

  202. Post update

    Nico Rosberg leads Lewis Hamilton round on the formation lap, with Valtteri Bottas in third and Felipe Massa fourth. Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo leaves the garage to take up his place at the end of the pit-lane for the start. Sebastian Vettel will follow him out shortly.

  203. Post update

    Ben Edwards

    BBC F1 commentator

    "Nico Rosberg has never won back-to-back races."

  204. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    British fans

    "It's amazing to see the number of people that have flown over from the UK to Abu Dhabi for some winter sun. These night races really do work."

  205. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "They key could be that Lewis Hamilton has been in this situation three times before going into the last race. That could be the only difference. This is the first time Nico Rosberg's experienced this media intensity going into the last race."

  206. Formation lap

    Helmets on. Visors down. The time for talking is over. Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg. Your time is now.

  207. Post update

    Eddie Jordan

    BBC F1 chief analyst

    "Only the gods know what will happen. I still believe Hamilton will win the championship but I don't think he will win the race. I don't think he needs to or wants to."

  208. Post update

    "It's not great to start from the pit-lane but hopefully we've left all the greatness for the race," says Sebastian Vettel who is in his last race for Red Bull. "I hope to win - but that might be asking too much."

  209. Vote

    The results are in from the vote, and a huge 66.4% of you vote Lewis Hamilton as the driver of the season.

    Interestingly, only 5.4% of you opted for title-challenger and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.

    Full results can be found on the top-right side of the page. Thanks for voting.

  210. Post update

    "It is intense," says former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi. "It is unique. Hamilton has more points but today is like the Olympic games - they have to give the maximum possible."

  211. Post update

    MErcedes

    Mercedes: Garage getting busy! Welcome Nicole Scherzinger!

  212. Lineker backing Lewis

    Gary Lineker and Lewis Hamilton

    Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker: "Hope Lewis Hamilton does it. Would be a travesty if double points does for him. Imagine the last day of the PL season decided that way."

  213. Get involved #bbcf1

    Lady Jane: I can't believe how nervous I am about the start of this GP! A sigh of relief will be breathed if #LH44 gets through the 1st corner.

    Natalie Hoffman: I'm shaking with excitement!!!! Arrrghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

  214. Post update

    It's an interesting point that Alain Prost makes. Will Nico Rosberg try to back Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton into the Williams of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa? Victory for Rosberg won't be enough if Hamilton is second. So that might be his only chance today. Oh the tension.

  215. Post update

    Alain Prost

    "There is more pressure on Lewis as he has everything to lose," says four-time time world champion Alain Prost. "If I was in Nico's position I would have two strategies: see what happens or slow down a bit. You never know, we will see what's in his head. I normally never did slow down in this situation but thought a lot about it. Everything is different with double points."

  216. Post update

    Claire Williams

    "This is the biggest race we've had for some time," says Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams, whose team are closing on an impressive third in the constructors' championship. "We need to beat the Ferraris into P3. A lot of people are saying we can win this race. It will be a magic end to a magic year."

  217. Post update

    Kevin Magnussen

    "I'm not expecting too much at the start as I'm on prime," says McLaren's Kevin Magnussen, who starts ninth. "I'm fairly positive even though we did not have our best qualifying. I'm hoping to finish strongly at the end. It could be a fun race."

  218. Post update

    Gerhard Berger

    "It's nothing more than speculation," says former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger (pictured with Red Bull boss Christian Horner) on rumours linked him with a role at McLaren. "I want to see a good race. Lewis is in a good position but who knows in Formula 1."

  219. Who will become F1 royalty?

    Daniel Ricciardo and Prince Harry

    Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are seeing who will be the Formula 1 king this year. But in the paddock there is already some royalty as Prince Harry has been in the Red Bull garage meeting Daniel Ricciardo.

  220. Post update

    Jenson Button

    "It's very supportive here, it's great to see a full house," says Jenson Button, who starts sixth. "We have Lewis going for the championship and I hope for a good result for myself. It won't be easy but we will do the best."

  221. Get involved #bbcf1

    Where are you following from?

    Justin Cutress

    Justin Cutress: Watching f1 in Prague with friends! Lewis to win!

  222. Post update

    This is your TEN MINUTE warning, folks.

  223. Post update

    Allan McNish

    BBC Radio 5 live analyst

    Lewis Hamilton

    "As soon as the visor goes down and the lights go out we know Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will do everything they can to win the title. This is the final roll of the dice."

  224. Post update

    If a Mercedes wins today, the Brackley-based team will break the single season record for wins by a constructor, which they share with McLaren (1988) and Ferrari (2002, 2004), all of whom have won 15 races in one year.

  225. Post update

    Michael Schumacher

    Nico Rosberg is attempting to join Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel as the only world champions from Germany. Before 1994, German drivers had won just five races in championship history, but since then, they have won 145 more as well as 11 titles. Rosberg's victory in Brazil was the 150th for a German driver, 25 years to the day since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

  226. Get involved #bbcf1

    Nick Cary: Hamilton has won more races & been on pole more times than ROS! If he loses it on virtue of the double points he will have been robbed.

    Matthew Millar: Nervous for Hamilton I was still in primary school last time I remember him nicking the drivers championship on the last corner.

    Nico Rosberg

    Jack Poskett: I know today is about Hamilton and Rosberg (pictured), but I'm rooting for Button to get a podium! Go on JB!

  227. BBC F1 awards extra

    Daniel Ricciardo

    On Saturday, drivers received their BBC F1 awards from the television team, but we felt that there are a few more that could be handed out. With that in mind, who has the best looking car, best tweet and best helmet? Take a look at BBC Sport's alternative Formula 1 awards to find out.

  228. Flashback - title decider

    1964 - Surtees makes history on two wheels and four

    Formula 1 racing driver John Surtees in his car at the Monaco Grand Prix, May 10th 1964

    Britain was guaranteed a world champion in 1964 when John Surtees, Jim Clark and Graham Hill arrived at the Mexican Grand Prix with a chance of winning. Hill led the championship, but saw his hopes end with a collision. Clark dropped out with an engine issue leaving Surtees to finish second and become the first man to win titles on two wheels and four following his world motorcycling championship wins in 1956, 1958, 1959 and 1960.

  229. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton will become only the 16th driver in the history of the sport to win more than one Formula 1 World Championship if he finishes first or second today's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He will become only the fourth Briton to achieve the feat, too, following Sir Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill and Jim Clark.

  230. Post update

    Fans

    There's good support for both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in Abu Dhabi, with an atmosphere reminiscent of a football match on the start-finish straight as fans chant "Lewis, Lewis, Lewis," as David Coulthard strolls past on his gridwalk.

  231. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton and Niki Lauda

    Nice moment here as Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda helps Lewis Hamilton with his overalls ahead of today's race.

  232. Post update

    Eddie Jordan

    BBC F1 chief analyst

    "I don't want to see any failure. No mechanical errors. Let's just see a straight fight. We've been wanting this to happen all season."

  233. Safe pair of hands

    Nigel Martyn

    World's priciest footballer? Check. Baking silver fox? Check. Queen of the numbers board? Check.

    How about we add an ex-England goalkeeper to our roll call of celebrity F1 fans.

    Step forward Nigel Martyn, who tweets: "Huge good luck to Lewis Hamilton today. #AbuDhabiGP #worldchampion"

  234. Post update

    "Basically we've pushed the regulations to the limit and the authorities have deemed we've gone over the limit," says Red Bull boss Christian Horner with regards the decision to exclude Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo from qualifying.

    Christian Horner

    "It's frustrating because we're not the only ones pushing. There was a thinner retainer put onto the flap which allowed the upper flap to flex more. Stewards did not like it so unfortunately we have to accept the penalty.

    "We've gone back to the wing we ran at the last grand prix."

  235. Post update

    Eddie Jordan

    BBC F1 chief analyst

    Eddie Jordan

    "Lewis will be happy to finish second and take this title. Every Championship decider throws up something exciting. Bottas is in the perfect position to win the race. Anything can happen. That would help Lewis."

  236. Post update

    David Coulthard has swapped his orange trousers for an orange shirt today. What are your thoughts? Tweet us using the #bbcf1, text 81111 (UK only) or leave a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

  237. Hollywood finish

    Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry

    More from our celebrity supporters now. Next up, the Great British Bake Off's very own Paul Hollywood, who is looking to Lewis Hamilton to rise to the occasion.

    Paul Hollywood: "Get it done Lewis Hamilton. Good luck."

  238. What the papers say

    Sunday Telegraph

    The title-deciding race is front page news for some British newspapers today. Here, the Sunday Telegraph carried a picture of a smiling Lewis Hamilton, who says he will not crack under the pressure of championship rival Nico Rosberg's jibes on the eve of their title showdown in the desert.

  239. Post update

    Red Bull Racing on Twitter: From his first #F1 race for the Team in Hungary 2007 to his last, we've loved every minute!

    Red Bull Racing

    More from Red Bull Racing on Twitter: 2010, Seb won his 1st World Championship at the #AbuDhabiGP becoming #F1's youngest ever champion! #10SeasonsRacing

    Red Bull Racing
  240. Flashback - title decider

    2010 - Vettel comes out of the bushes to snatch maiden title

    Race winner and F1 2010 World Champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Red Bull Racing celebrates with team mates

    Formula 1 saw a four-way battle for the world title in 2010 as Ferrari's Fernando Alonso the favourite, heading to Abu Dhabi with an eight-point lead over Red Bull's Mark Webber. Sebastian Vettel in the other Red Bull was a further seven behind with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton an outsider, 24 adrift with only a maximum of 25 available. However, Alonso and Webber made strategy errors and dropped down the field while Vettel went on to clinch victory and become the sport's youngest ever champion.

  241. Get involved #bbcf1

    Luke Spurdle: Well this is it. The final, most important race of the 2014 #F1 season. So nervous for @LewisHamilton #TeamLH need to bring this home.

    Chris Brown: Ok here we go! The big #F1 season finale starting on #bbcf1 now. Lewis v Nico for the title & possibly Jenson's final F1 race!

    Blair: Hamilton definitely deserves this but can't help feel Rosberg will nick it

  242. Post update

    Nico Rosberg accelerates out of the Mercedes garage and into the pit-lane, bound for the grid. Lewis Hamilton follows him out moments later. Thirty minutes until race time.

  243. Post update

    Ian Poulter

    Golfer Ian Poulter: Not a bad view of the Atlantis hotel. Just landed, time to get to the circuit.

  244. Post update

    Jennie Gow

    BBC Radio 5 live pit-lane reporter

    Jennie Gow

    "Ready?"

  245. Post update

    Carol Voderman

    TV presenter Carol Vorderman shows her support for Lewis Hamilton, tweeting a picture of them both at Silverstone earlier this year with the caption: "Go go Lewis Hamilton....."

  246. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton is currently making his way around the garage shaking the hands of all his mechanics, one-by-one, before he steps in the car to get in the zone ahead of making his way around to the grid. The pit-lane opens at 12:30 GMT.

  247. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    "I want to win the war, that's the ultimate plan," says Lewis Hamilton in a candid interview with Lee McKenzie.

  248. Post update

    "I'm feeling very excited but more nervous than a normal weekend," Mercedes' co-team boss Toto Wolff. "I don't treat it like a normal race, it's an all-deciding championship race and the drivers are tense.

    "We want to deliver a car that is reliable and quick. Whatever the result, as long as we don't have technical issues that will be OK. It does not work in Formula 1 to have a script, we need to stay neutral."

  249. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "Lewis Hamilton has won 10 grands prix to Nico Rosberg's five. Nico's been the pole position king but has not been able to convert. We are in for an exciting battle."

  250. Post update

    Eddie Jordan

    BBC F1 chief analyst

    Mercedes

    "Mercedes are on tenterhooks. They cannot believe what is about to happen. The gloves are off."

  251. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton was the first man in position for the traditional end-of-season team photo earlier today.

    Driver end of season photo

    Here's the full Class of 2014, with Will Stevens making an appearance despite only making his F1 debut this weekend with Caterham.

  252. Post update

    Sauber

    Sauber F1 team on Twitter: There's no better way to start the day: Selfies, sunshine, signatures and Swiss flags.

  253. Post update

    Toro Rosso

    Toro Rosso on Twitter: It's a glorious sunshine last race day of the season. Air temperature 30, track temperature 45 degrees currently.

  254. Post update

    Williams Racing

    Williams Racing on Twitter: Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas are at the Autograph Session now, meeting with the fans here in Abu Dhabi.

  255. Post update

    Andrew Benson

    Chief F1 writer in Abu Dhabi

    "The subject of the money split in F1 and the financial struggles of the smaller teams has been central to this season and it seems they might finally have made a breakthrough in their demands to be given more financial assistance. There was a meeting here at Yas Marina between the Lotus, Sauber and Force India teams, F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone, and the man really in charge, Donald MacKenzie, co-chairman of CVC Capital Partners.

    Sauber

    "Ecclestone has flip-flopped on the issue in his public remarks in recent weeks, variously saying he was to blame for the situation, the small teams needed help and that they were 'beggars'. But after the meeting, Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez said: 'Both Bernie and CVC realise that they need to take action.

    "We are not going to go into the details of what they are discussing but for sure they are going to go away and look at a number of things. We now need to face this issue not just as the commercial rights holder, CVC and us - but we know need to include the bigger teams to take up certain responsibility for what is going on right now, come to [the] table and participate in solving those problems. Both agree that there is an issue now, both agree that we are not beggars, we are reasonable and sensible, and both agree it can be solved.'

    "He added that the concepts of the top teams selling customer cars to the smaller teams, or the top teams running third cars themselves, had been dismissed. 'We have managed to prove that financially speaking it is not an improvement,' Lopez said. 'If you have to pay more, then the cost of buying a car is more than building your own one.'"

  256. Post update

    Keke Rosberg

    Nico Rosberg is attempting to make history this weekend by winning the world title. If he does so, he'll join father Keke as a world champion and join Graham and Damon Hill as the only father-son championship.

  257. Flashback - title deciders

    1994 - Schumacher clinches first title after Hill clash

    13 Nov 1994: Benetton Ford driver Michael Schumacher of Germany hugs two team mechanics in delight for becoming World Champion Driver after the Australian Grand Prix

    Arguably one of the most famous title deciders in the history of the sport, the 1994 World Championship came down to the season finale in Adelaide, Australia with Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill separated by just a single point. Schumacher led the race, but ran wide and hit the wall. As he rejoined, he veered into Hill's path. The two collided, forcing Schumacher out immediately. Hill continued but damage from the incident forced his retirement, gifting Schumacher the title.

  258. Vote

    Driver of the season

    Valtteri Bottas

    After a stunning season, we want to know who your driver of the 2014 is? Take your pick from Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas (pictured) or Felipe Massa on the top-right side of the page.

    The vote will close at 12:50 GMT with results published here shortly after. Terms and conditions are available here.

  259. Post update

    Nicole Scherzinger

    Lewis Hamilton's biggest supporters have arrived in the paddock in the form of pop star girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger and his father Anthony.

  260. Post update

    We're live on BBC One and in the video console at the top of the page, folks.

  261. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton: Today feels like the most important day of my life. But I am calm and focused. #TeamLH lets do this! Thank you!

  262. The eyes of the world are watching....

    Gareth Bale

    It's fair to say the eyes of the world are on today's events in Abu Dhabi and plenty of celebrity fans have been taking to social media to have their say.

    Let's kick off with the world's most expensive footballer, shall we?

    Gareth Bale: "Can't wait for the 2014 F1 decider #AbuDhabiGP , good luck to Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes AMGF1 #deserveit"

  263. Get involved #bbcf1

    Where are you following from?

    DrAT: Boarding flight at Heathrow. Lands half an hr after start of GP. My own race to get home and catch a piece of history #TeamLH

    Dan Umphray: watching in bed sweltering in Sydney. Can't sleep, not because of the heat! Come on Lewis.

  264. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg

    Lewis Hamilton would cry when he finished second in karting races, according to his old karting boss Dino Chiesa. This weekend, though, the only tears that will fall from Hamilton's face if he finishes second will be ones of joy. Read more about Hamilton and Rosberg growing up together here.

  265. The grid

    Lights out at 13:00 GMT

    With a little under an hour to go, here's the grid for today's race.

    1) Nico Rosberg 2) Lewis Hamilton 3) Valtteri Bottas 4) Felipe Massa 5) Daniil Kvyat 6) Jenson Button (pictured) 7) Kimi Raikkonen 8) Fernando Alonso 9) Kevin Magnussen 10) Jean-Eric Vergne

    Jenson Button

    11) Sergio Perez 12) Nico Hulkenberg 13) Adrian Sutil 14) Esteban Gutierrez 15) Pastor Maldonado 16) Kamui Kobayashi 17) Will Stevens 18) Romain Grosjean

    Pit-lane start: Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel

  266. Post update

    Suzi Perry

    BBC F1 presenter

    Formula 1

    "Almost ready! @bbcf1 @TomClarksonF1 @JennieGow 12.10 @BBCOne."

  267. Post update

    Allan McNish

    BBC Radio 5 live analyst

    Lewis Hamilton

    "For the last two years it has rained on this day, November 23rd, here in Abu Dhabi!! But not today."

  268. Post update

    If you click the link at the top of the page, you can hear live build-up ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on BBC Radio 5 live.

  269. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    Lewis Hamilton isn't just a sportsman, he's a celebrity. The Briton has a pop star girlfriend, a scarlet red private jet and top spot on The Times List of wealthiest sportspeople in 2014 with an estimated worth of £68m. Read more about his love of Haribo cherries, roast dinners and film debut in the Cars 2 movie in this profile.

  270. Post update

    Nico Rosberg

    Throughout his career, Nico Rosberg has meticulous in pursuit of glory. For examples, the German noticed that he occasionally felt ill at race after long-haul flights to now wears a face mask on-board to fight off viruses. He has also switched to a gluten-free diet. Find out more about Rosberg, and his ability to speak five languages, ride a unicycle and play tennis to an impressive standard, check out this profile piece.

  271. Get involved #bbcf1

    Where are you following from?

    Formula 1

    Rachel Clarke: Right about here. Think it's a good view!

    Carole Brackley: In front of the TV in Weymouth Dorset, a great place to call home.

    Ryan Wakefield: Up at crack of dawn 2 go shops 4 snacks and drinks ready to have mates round and cheering on @LewisHamilton

  272. Post update

    Andrew Benson

    Chief F1 writer in Abu Dhabi

    "The statements that finally announced Ferrari's split with Fernando Alonso earlier this weekend were full of kind words for each other. At the time, many cynics wondered how long it would take for the facade to crumble and the answer has turned out to be about three days. Team principal Marco Mattiacci made a comment about new signing Sebastian Vettel's youth and the German having the 'enthusiasm' to go through the 'difficult moments' of Ferrari's restructuring, and Alonso took offence.

    Fernando Alonso

    "'I heard the comments and I don't think they were very good,' said the Spaniard, who qualified 10th but will start eight following the disqualification of the two Red Bulls. 'If he tried to mean that I was not motivated, he arrived at Ferrari too late. He's only been here for a few months and has not seen the five years that I've spent here and how I've fought every single race. Probably I was too old when he tried to renew me until the Monza race, and he kept pushing, and pushing and having talks, and even in the last moment we had a lot of phone calls and e-mails that I still have in my computer. Probably at that time I was not so old, but when I took my decision I guess he had to find another driver.'"

  273. Post update

    Romain Grosjean

    Lotus's Romain Grosjean: Glad to be part of this team!

  274. Post update

    Fish and Chips

    What a difference a year makes. This time last year, Scotland's Paul Di Resta was racing in Formula 1 with Force India. This weekend, instead of racing in Abu Dhabi, he's in Monaco and on Friday night posted a photo of him eating fish and chips in Casino Square.

  275. Post update

    Tom Clarkson

    BBC F1 pit-lane reporter

    Tom Clarkson

    "A thorn between four roses... Don't forget: #bbc1, 12.10 today."

  276. Flashback - title deciders

    1997 - Schumacher ends up in the gravel as Villeneuve takes title

    SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: GP von EUROPA 1997 Jerez; Weltmeister Jacques VILLENEUVE WILLIAMS RENAULT

    There was more controversy for Ferrari's Michael Schumacher at the finale at Jerez, Spain in 1997. Leading Williams' Jacques Villeneuve by a point, Schumacher turned into the Canadian at the hairpin, when battling for the lead. Schumacher skated off into the gravel and retired instantly. Villeneuve survived, reaching the chequered flag in third to take his first title at only his second attempt. Cue celebrations and some sensational yellow wigs.

  277. Post update

    Today will see the 28th final race Formula 1 title decider since the sport began in 1950. Earlier this month, Murray Walker took a trip down memory lane to revisit some of those classic moments, which you can watch here. BBC Radio 5 live also did a special show, discussing final day showdowns. Listen to that here.

    Damon Hill
  278. 2015 driver line-up

    On Saturday, Force India confirmed that Sergio Perez would stay with the team next season which means the 2015 grid is almost complete. Here's how it stands.

    Mercedes - Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg

    Red Bull - Daniel Ricciardo (pictured) and Daniil Kvyat

    Daniel Ricciardo

    Williams - Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa

    Ferrari - Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel

    McLaren - TBA and TBA

    Force India - Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez

    Toro Rosso - Max Verstappen and TBA

    Lotus - Pastor Maldonado and Romain Grosjean

    Sauber - Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr

    Caterham - TBA and TBA

    Fernando Alonso is expected to race for McLaren with either Jenson Button or Kevin Magnussen in the second seat.

    Jean-Eric Vergne, Alex Lynn and Carlos Sainz Junior are in contention for the second seat at Toro Rosso.

    Caterham's line-up is TBA because their future in the sport is still up in the air.

  279. Race stats

    Sebastian Vettel

    Last year's podium: 1) Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) 2) Mark Webber (Red Bull) 3) Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) Most wins by a driver: 3 (Sebastian Vettel) Most wins by a constructor: 3 (Red Bull)

    Number of wins from pole: 1 from 5 races Lowest winning grid position: 4th (Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 2012) Most podium places of the current field: 4 (Sebastian Vettel)

  280. Race stats

    Fernando Alonso

    Venue: Yas Marina Circuit length: 5.554 km Number of corners: 21 (9 right, 12 left) Laps: 55 Race distance: 305.355 km Compounds: Super-soft & soft Circuit lap record: 1:40.279 - Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull (2009)

    Number of races in Abu Dhabi: 5 Number of races with at least one safety car appearance: 2 of the last 5 2013 pole position: 1:39.957 - Mark Webber (Red Bull)

  281. 'Today should be an incredible day'

    McLaren

    McLaren on Twitter: Lights... Camera... Action! Today should be an incredible day.

  282. Post update

    Andrew Benson

    Chief F1 writer in Abu Dhabi

    "There are many topics of conversation this weekend at Yas Marina, but the future McLaren driver line-up is one of the most discussed. For all Ron Dennis's claims that no decisions have been taken, to the BBC and other broadcasters on Saturday, the facts are that Fernando Alonso will drive for the team in 2015 and that either Jenson Button or Kevin Magnussen (pictured) will be his team-mate. Quite what is taking Dennis so long to decide is unclear, after a season's worth of information - or 15 seasons in the case of Button - but decide he has not.

    Kevin Magnussen

    "Unsurprisingly, given Dennis had said he wanted to have all possible data at his fingertips before making the decision, Magnussen cut a downcast figure after qualifying 11th, three places behind Button, who for his part simply said he was going to try to go out there and enjoy himself. "I hope this isn't my last grand prix, I really do, because I feel I have a lot to give," Button said. 'Of course, there is something in the back of your mind thinking it possible could be, so you have to enjoy it as much as you can.

    "'Whether that is pictures on the wall, or untucking your shirt (a little dig at Dennis's infamous fastidiousness). But I am here to do a job, I can do the best job I can, but off circuit with family and friends, we talk about things more than we would normally. So far I have enjoyed this weekend, and it's great having my family here.'"

  283. Post update

    McLaren driver Jenson Button: Morning! Thank you for all your support guys especially the last few weeks. Today is a day 2 be happy, race day it is! #Bringtheaction #JB22

  284. Post update

    Jenson Button

    Jenson Button is the cover star of this month's issue of F1 Racing, with his future in the spot up in the air. The Briton has one world title (2009), 15 wins, 50 podiums and 1166 points to his name and yet he has no deal for next season. The McLaren driver starts his 265th grid from sixth, which is coincidentally the only position in the top seven grid places from which he has never won a race.

  285. Post update

    Fernando alonso and Ferrari team

    Fernando Alonso will leave Ferrari having made 96 starts for the team and finished runner up in the drivers' championship three times. The Spaniard will also be the first driver to leave the Italian team without winning a drivers' or constructors' championship since Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi in 1995.

  286. Post update

    Andrew Benson

    Chief F1 writer in Abu Dhabi

    "Is Marco Mattiacci leaving his role as Ferrari team principal after just seven months in charge? Ferrari are not saying, their spokesman insisting he does not know, but sources close to the team say it looks like the story, which first broke in the German publication Sport Bild, is true.

    "His replacement will apparently be Maurizo Arrivabene, a familiar figure in the paddock, who is vice-president of global communications at title sponsor Philip Morris. An announcement is expected in the coming days. What's not clear is what has happened to bring about this turn of events, but it seems indicative of a season of turmoil at Ferrari, whose return to the top of Formula 1 looks to be some way away. No wonder Fernando Alonso wanted to leave."

  287. Flashback - title deciders

    1986 - Mansell heartbreak as Prost snatches title

    Alain Prost, driver of the 1 McLaren International McLaren jumps in the air and raises his arms aloft in celebration after winning the race and World Championship title

    Nigel Mansell could be forgiven for thinking he may never win the world title after missing out at the finale in 1986. The Briton was the clear favourite in a three-way fight with McLaren's Alain Prost and his Williams team-mate Nelson Piquet going to the finale in Adelaide, Australia. However, with 19 laps to go and Mansell cruising towards his first title it all went wrong when his tyre blew in spectacular fashion. Williams pitted Piquet as a precaution and Prost took his second title.

  288. Get involved #bbcf1

    Where are you following from?

    Paul Hallett: Watching at home; Dog has been removed in case I need to kick something later.

    Mik Wood: Watching the championship decider in our hotel in Benidorm, now that my wife has finished the Benidorm 10K

    David Morrow: Watching the GP from Oulu, Finland. Go Hamilton, though Rosberg is half Finnish, so not sure the locals appreciate my cheers.

  289. 'It is artificial and should never have been done'

    Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme, former FIA president Max Mosley says he does not agree with double points being used in the final grand prix of the season.

    "I was absolutely against it," says Mosley. "It's a very old fashioned idea from the 70s and 80s and they used to do it with national racing at Brands Hatch but it is artificial and should never have been done."

  290. What if double points had always been awarded?

    Ever wondered how double points in the final race of a Formula 1 season would have influenced the drivers' championship outcome?

    Well I can tell you that 10 seasons would have had different results. Felipe Massa (2008), Gilles Villeneuve (1979), Jacky Ickx (1970) and Stirling Moss (1956 and 1958) would be able to call themselves world champions.

    Meanwhile, Mike Hawthorn (1958), Jochen Rindt (1970), Jody Scheckter (1979) and Lewis Hamilton (2008) would no longer be Formula 1 world champions.

    Kimi Raikkonen (2003, 2007) and Alan Jones (1980, 1981) would be double, rather than single, world champions while Fernando Alonso (2005, 2006, 2012) would have a third world title.

    Fernando Alonso

    Michael Schumacher (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004) would drop one title to six, while Sebastian Vettel (2010, 2011. 2013) would be done from four to three. Alberto Ascari (1952) would drop from two to one titles and Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957) would gain and lose one to remain on five.

  291. Post update

    One of the season's big talking points has been the introduction of double points for the final race of the season. At one point, it was going to be for the final three races.

    F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone wanted to make sure the title went down to the wire and it has, although it would have done without double points anyway.

    Hamilton must finish second today to win the title, whereas without double points, where the winner gets 50 points, second place 36 and so on, he would have only needed sixth place.

  292. Post update

    Kimi Raikkonen

    Talking of unwanted records, Kimi Raikkonen, who has had a miserable season so far, is hoping to avoid becoming the first Ferrari driver since Didier Pironi in 1981 to race a full season for the team and not finish in the top 10 in the drivers' championship.

  293. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton

    If Lewis Hamilton fails to win the title, he will set a new record for the most wins in a season without going on to become champion. Alain Prost (1984 and 1988) shares the record of seven with Kimi Raikkonen (2005) and Michael Schumacher (2006).

    He would also have the unwanted record of becoming the first driver to win four races in a row and not win the title. This season, he has twice won four races in a row.

  294. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix grid

    So the grid looks a little different following Red Bull's exclusion from qualifying...

    1) Nico Rosberg 2) Lewis Hamilton 3) Valtteri Bottas 4) Felipe Massa 5) Daniil Kvyat 6) Jenson Button 7) Kimi Raikkonen 8) Fernando Alonso 9) Kevin Magnussen 10) Jean-Eric Vergne

    11) Sergio Perez 12) Nico Hulkenberg 13) Adrian Sutil 14) Esteban Gutierrez 15) Pastor Maldonado 16) Kamui Kobayashi 17) Will Stevens 18) Romain Grosjean

    Pit-lane start: Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel

  295. Today's newspapers

    Sunday Express

    Sunday Express

    The back page of today's Sunday Express ponders if Lewis Hamilton can hold his nerve to claim his second world title. "I didn't have the best of laps but I feel (today) is going to be a special day," says the 2008 world champion.

  296. Flashback - title deciders

    1984 - Lauda wins the title by half a point

    1984: McLaren TAG driver Niki Lauda (right) of Austria is congratulated by his wife watched by team mate Alain Prost (left) after the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Estoril circuit in Portugal

    Niki Lauda and Alain Prost were the only two men in contention for the title when the 1984 World Championship arrived at the finale in Portugal. Prost won the race, but Lauda only needed to finish second - which he did - and claimed the title by just half a point - the smallest winning margin in the sport's history. That title triumph was Lauda's third and final in the sport.

  297. Post update

    Nico Rosberg

    Nico Rosberg may trail Lewis Hamilton when it comes to race wins this season, but he has a superior record in qualifying, taking 11 poles to seven. The German has also led the most laps the season (482 compared to Hamilton's 455) and finished in the points more often than his team-mate (16-15).

  298. Get involved #bbcf1

    Jon Bissell: I will be watching the F1 title showdown in a German wind tunnel with German colleagues... Irony? COME ON Lewis Hamilton.

  299. Get involved #bbcf1

    Where are you following from?

    Formula 1

    Lewis Hamilton v Nico Rosberg. The F1 title decider. This race has all the makings of an absolute classic so we want to know where you are following the race from.

    Whether it is the comfort of your living room with the Sunday Dinner cooking or up a mountain in Mongolia, we want to know where you are, so tell us via #bbcf1 or post on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

  300. Post update

    Andrew Benson

    Chief F1 writer in Abu Dhabi

    "The highest Red Bull driver on the grid is the lead team's 2015 driver Daniil Kvyat, who moves up from his strong seventh place qualifying position to fifth following the exclusion of Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel directly ahead of him. Governing body the FIA investigated all the teams after seeing video footage of some front wings flexing to questionable degrees. But while the three other teams, including Williams, were cleared, Red Bull's wing was deemed too flexible.

    "The scrutineers found hidden in the wing what officials deemed to be a leaf spring attached to the end plate and covered in a rubber housing that was painted the same colour as the wing to disguise it. The spring was designed to flex after a certain load had been passed, conferring an aerodynamic advantage. This is why Red Bull were excluded - the infringement was considered much more serious than simply some overly flexible carbon-fibre - about which it can never be certain it was not simply a team going a bit too far by accident - because of its obvious deliberate nature. The Red Bulls will both start from the pit lane after the team decided to change the set-ups to aid overtaking."

  301. Post update

    Red Bull, the reigning champions, caused a scene in the paddock on Saturday when they were hauled before the stewards for a technical infringement. Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo were excluded from qualifying. Why? Andrew Benson has more - and it's quite remarkable.

  302. Post update

    Mercedes AMG F1
    Mercedes AMG F1

    Mercedes on Twitter: End of an era today for the McLaren F1 and Mercedes Benz partnership, great times and great memories. Since 1995, 20 seasons brought 76 pole positions, 78 wins and 231 podium finishes with Mercedes Benz power. Not forgetting world titles for Mika and Lewis Hamilton. We wish you luck with Honda (but not too much).

  303. The plan

    So here's the plan for today. Live coverage kicks off on BBC One and the video console at the top of the page at 12:10 GMT. BBC Radio 5 live will join the party shortly after with the lights going out at 13:00. Around 100 minutes later, exactly 300 days after the season began, the 2014 Formula 1 world champion will be crowned.

  304. Post update

    While his father Anthony and pop-star girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger were on hand to celebrate with Lewis Hamilton when he won his first world title in 2008, they will not be in attendance this time around.

    "It's just that generally through the year I've not had people come," said Hamilton, who will not have any of his close family in Abu Dhabi. "Then I had them come to a couple of races - but I've got a job to do."

    Hamilton has been involved in a final race title decider three times in his career - 2007, 2008 and 2010, but only once has he gone on to win the title (2008).

  305. Post update

    Allan McNish

    BBC Radio 5 live analyst

    "Winning is in Lewis Hamilton's DNA, he can't help himself. But I do think there's a little bit at the back of his brain which is looking at trying to win the war, not just this particular battle."

  306. Post update

    Pharrell Williams and Lewis Hamilton

    The paddock has been awash with celebrities this weekend, with Happy singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams dropping by on Saturday, ahead of taking to the stage on Saturday night to perform at the post-session concert. He caught up with his friend Lewis Hamilton, after the Briton finished second in qualifying.

  307. Flashback - title deciders

    2008 - Hamilton clinches it at the death

    SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 02: New Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and McLaren Mercedes (C) celebrates with his half-brother Nick Hamilton (L) and his Team Principal Ron Dennis (L)

    Lewis Hamilton will have fond memories of this one. Arriving at Interlagos, Brazil, for the season finale, Hamilton led Ferrari's Felipe Massa in the championship hunt. Fifth place was all that was required, no matter where Massa finished.

    But with just one lap to go, Hamilton was sixth, with Massa leading and it looked like the McLaren driver would miss out on the title at the final race for the second successive year. But in the pouring rain, the Briton caught Timo Glock, who was on dry tyres, and passed him in the penultimate corner to secure fifth - and his first world championship.

  308. Post update

    Formula 1

    Mercedes: This will be the view from the front-row (minus obstacles)!

  309. What the papers say

    Mail on Sunday

    Mail on Sunday

    The Mail on Sunday's back page leads off on an interview with Lewis Hamilton, who insists he "won't crack" under the pressure, despite rival Nico Rosberg claiming pole position. "I have made very, very few mistakes through the year, so I'm not worried," added Hamilton.

  310. Get involved

    That question from David Coulthard is the one that is on everybody's lips this morning. Can Lewis Hamilton, who always says he's only interested in going out there to win, drive for second in this case to secure the title? And who do you think is more deserving of the title and why? Fire over your thoughts using the #bbcf1 hashtag, text 81111 (UK only) or leave a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

  311. Post update

    David Coulthard

    BBC F1 co-commentator

    "It's advantage Nico Rosberg as we go into this race. He needs to win the grand prix to have any chance. Lewis Hamilton only has to finish second because of his points advantage. What might make it difficult is the fact the Williams cars of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa are on second row and the nature of the Abu Dhabi track is it suits Williams' straight line speed. Lewis will be under pressure, but it's an outside chance they'll be able to overtake. Rosberg has to go all out. Will Lewis be content to finish second to secure his second world championship?"

  312. The Class of 2014

    Mercedes

    Already world constructors' champions and guaranteed the drivers' world championship, it's been a stunning year for Mercedes. The how team got together for their end of season photo earlier today. Now there's just the small matter of deciding which of their drivers will clinch the biggest prize of all.

  313. 'If I was in Hamilton's shoes I would be feeling very nervous'

    Lewis Hamilton

    Who does former FIA president Max Mosley think is going to win this year's title?

    "It is odds on for Lewis, definitely," Mosley tells BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme. "But there's so many things that can go wrong - it only takes one tiny mistake from a technical point of view, a mechanical failure or a bad pit stop.

    "If I was in Hamilton's shoes I would be feeling very nervous, but statistics show he should win and probably will win. For the mechanics it is really nerve-wracking and one small mistake in the preparation of the car or a pit stop can wreck everything.

    "Every individual has a task and if that goes wrong they could be responsible for everything going the wrong way."

  314. Get involved #bbcf1

    Scott Lillico: On edge today. End of the F1 season is nigh. Come on Lewis Hamilton!

    TaahirBhigjee: It's here, the title decider! Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi.....Lewis vs Nico!

    S Carroll: #HamiltonvsRosberg really injected the life back into F1. The best season in years! More next year please.

  315. Post update

    Even thought he doesn't need to win to secure the title, Lewis Hamilton will have an eye on the top step of the rostrum. And he can take comfort from the fact this race has only been won once from pole position in five runnings of the event. Plus, title rival and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg has only converted three of his 10 pole positions this season into race wins.

  316. Post update

    Andrew Benson

    Chief F1 writer in Abu Dhabi

    "Hamilton or Rosberg - one of them will be world champion at the end of this race and the other will be bereft. One suspects that if Hamilton is the one who loses out, he will take it worse - 'Toto (Wolff) and his boys better run for the hills in that case,' Mark Webber said - and the prevailing opinion in the paddock is that, while Rosberg has undoubtedly driven a superb season, the Englishman would be the more deserving champion. But justice is not always served in these situations.

    "The anticipation is high - along with the awareness that anything could happen. Rosberg has been turning the screw on Hamilton all weekend, with little jibes in public, whether it be about the need to drive cleanly or claiming that Hamilton is the one under more pressure. Rosberg has the most to lose in the event of any collision between the two, and while Hamilton wants to win the title in style by winning the race, he says he will not be taking any 'stupid risks'. Heart rates will be that bit higher than normal all over as start time approaches.'"

  317. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg

    Immediately after qualifying, the mind games began with Nico Rosberg saying the pressure was all on Lewis Hamilton.

    "Lewis has everything to lose and I have everything to gain," said the German. Hamilton, though, was having none of it and hit back saying he does not "pay much attention" to Rosberg's comments.

  318. Post update

    Nico Rosberg

    Nico Rosberg's objective this weekend is simple. Trailing team-mate and title rival Lewis Hamilton by 17 points in the title race, he needs to win. Then he must hope that Hamilton finishes third or lower.

    A big ask, considering the advantage Mercedes have had over the field this season - but not impossible, as we have seen many times over the years in tense title deciders.

    The German did what he had to do on Saturday, taking his 11th pole position of the season, as Hamilton ended up second after a qualifying session littered with mistakes.

  319. Post update

    Andrew Benson

    Chief F1 writer in Abu Dhabi

    "What a weekend this has already been to round off the Formula 1 season. The tension has been palpable and the atmosphere electric at Yas Marina, with the title fight between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg coming to a climax. But off the track things have been just as intriguing.

    "Following the long-anticipated Ferrari announcements on Thursday that Fernando Alonso is leaving and Sebastian Vettel arriving, it seems team boss Marco Mattiacci may be about to follow Alonso out of the door. And there was high drama after qualifying when both Red Bulls were excluded for having overly flexible front wings. Daniel Ricciardo and Vettel, who qualified fifth and sixth, will start from the back of the grid."

  320. Post update

    Nico Rosberg

    Welcome to the desert. Welcome to the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit. Welcome to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - the final race of what has been a quite extraordinary season.

    We've had wheel-to-wheel battles and tantrums, stunning victories and majestic pole positions, we've had rising stars make a name for themselves while others have struggled to deliver.

    And there have been selfies and, banter over team radio and who the rise of the celebrity podium interviewer. Can Abu Dhabi give 2014 the perfect sign-off?

  321. Post update

    Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg

    Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are childhood friends. They were team-mates in go-karting aged 14. They roomed together, played football together, even raced each other eating pizza.

    Fourteen years later, they found themselves in the same team and fighting a two-way battle for the championship. As the season has gone on, the pair's relationship has grown tense, with a number of battles both on and off the track.

    After they clashed in Belgium, Hamilton said: "Spa was like, 'I'm going to turn this up. I'm going to have to turn this up. This means war', that kind of feeling."

    This is it. The final battle in what has been an intensely fought war. Only one man can win. Hamilton and Rosberg: The floor is yours.