Nico Rosberg did not enjoy Formula 1 title decider in Abu Dhabi

With Hamilton needing to win the race with Rosberg fourth or lower to snatch the title from his team-mate, he slowed his pace - particularly in the final stint - in an attempt to bring Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and the Red Bull drivers into play.

Rosberg repeatedly complained on the radio about Hamilton's pace, even asking to be let through and promising to allow Hamilton back ahead at the finish if the Briton held onto second.

Mercedes issued several instructions to Hamilton to increase his pace, but the three-time champion refused on the grounds that it would guarantee he lost the title to Rosberg.

When asked if his race was 'just another day in the office', Rosberg replied: "Hell no, that was definitely not the most enjoyable race I've ever had.

"With Max [Verstappen] in the beginning [running ahead of him by stopping late] and then with those guys coming up in the end, definitely not very enjoyable in those last few laps.

"I'm very glad it's over. I'm unbelievably ecstatic.

"Congratulations to Lewis, he did a great season, a great competitor - it is always tough to beat you."

A fourth straight win at the end of the season meant Hamilton eventually fell five points shy of his team-mate in the final standings.

Victory in Abu Dhabi took his career total to 53, and he took 10 wins to Rosberg's nine over the course of the 2016 season.

The Briton said: "I did everything I could in these last four races, it's all I could have asked of myself.

"I'll have fun tonight celebrating with the team. You can't win them all.

"I had a lot of problems, which is why I'm in this position, but I'm grateful for the success and ups and downs we had as a team."