Nico Rosberg wins the 2016 Formula 1 championship

In the end, he ended up finishing the race in second, behind his teammate Lewis Hamilton. This is Rosberg's first F1 title. His father, Keke Rosberg, won the title 34 years ago.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was not without drama. Hamilton led most of the race, though he strategically slowed his pace toward the end in an effort to bunch the field up and hopefully catch Rosberg up in traffic. While the tactic did work to an extent, Rosberg was able to keep Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and the rest of the field at bay. Hamilton won the race ahead of Rosberg, Vettel, and Verstappen.

"I think that's 32 wins with this team so a big thank you to everyone here and back at the factory. And a big congratulations to Nico, of course, his first world championship. Good job, man," Hamilton said after the race. Rosberg went on to dedicate the race and his championship to his wife, Vivian, and his daughter, Alaϊa.

Mercedes ended up winning all but two Grands Prix in 2016, easily capturing the Constructor's Championship. Rosberg ended the 2016 season with a total of 385 points, 5 points ahead of Hamilton. Red Bull Racing's Daniel Ricciardo finished third in the championship with 256 points.