Opinion | Pit Stop: Season ends in double the drama
Bernie Ecclestone gets what he wants as the drivers' championship goes down to the wire at extra-points Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
And so it has come down to this. Last race, double the points, double the jeopardy if you happen to be Lewis Hamilton. Abu Dhabi, the manufactured marina is host to the manufactured nail-biting finish to the season.
Those, including this column, that have objected to double points for the last race will have to concede Bernie Ecclestone's point that without it, the championship will already be close to a done deal for Hamilton. Under normal points, if rival Nico Rosberg won, the Briton would only need to be sixth. Now Hamilton has to make sure he is at least second.
In fact, the boss of F1 has said recently that he had wanted double points for the last three races. "The teams have not accepted it because they are bloody idiots. They are all mechanics. They think of their team in the short term."
Hamilton will feel it is only early mechanical problems that have given his teammate a sniff of the title anyway
Double points won't be around next year, but they are now and the two Mercedes drivers must decide how they are going to approach the race. The irony is that both drivers may be forced to go against their instincts. Certainly for Rosberg. He is normally the man who takes the long view and plays the percentages. Now it is simple; all out attack, look to take pole and win the race. If Hamilton comes second, so be it.
It is more complicated for Hamilton. Does he take the long view and play it safe or go with his instincts and let rip from lights out? The whole weekend is a touch perilous for him. During qualification, does he go all out for pole or conserve the car and tyres and be happy with the front row?
Trailing Rosberg around might be the sensible option, but it will hand the German the tactical advantage at the pit stops and in general. It is also not in Hamilton's nature; here is a man who likes to give it everything.
