German Formula One driver Nico Rosberg (C) of Mercedes AMG GP celebrates after winning the 2015 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE on November 29.

Rosberg wrapped up the Formula One season on a winning high with team mate and triple world champion Lewis Hamilton second in a record 12th one-two finish of the year for dominant Mercedes.

The German's third win in a row, from a sixth successive pole position, dashed Hamilton's hopes of a 44th career victory in car 44 on the 44th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates.

The Briton, who clinched the title in Texas last month with three races to spare, finished 8.2 seconds behind after an attempt at a different strategy failed to produce the desired result.

The win was the 16th in 19 races for Mercedes. – Reuters