Lewis Hamilton said this was the most important race of his career. It turned out to be a moment more fleeting. The most important fragment, perhaps. The most vital fifth of a second. That was the time between the encouragement of the final go light and Hamilton’s Mercedes car making its move. And soon after that, it was all over. There are moments in sport, cameos and no more, that define history and remain in the memory. Hamilton’s race to the first turn in Abu Dhabi was one such act. Whatever marvels the rest of his time in Formula One contain — and he is now one short of equalling Jackie Stewart’s total of three drivers’ championships — he will be remembered for this, his duel in the fading desert sun. The total eclipse of his team-mate and rival, Nico Rosberg.
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Nico Rosberg started Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from pole position but was overtaken by Lewis Hamilton at the first corner
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Hamilton stormed to victory in Abu Dhabi to win the world championship
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The Brit lauded championship triumph as 'the greatest day of my life'
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It was a split second that turned the race, and Hamilton never looked back
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Usain Bolt and Olympian sprinters aside, no momentous sporting achievement was ever over in more of a flash
The lead he had established within seconds of the race starting was unnatural, considering @placeholder started ahead and has the same car.