Nico Rosberg: Lewis Hamilton's Interlagos spin gives F1 title hope

Hamilton can win the championship in the Abu Dhabi GP by finishing second to Rosberg, so the German needs him to hit more trouble to allow other cars to get between them.

When asked how important Hamilton's spin was, Rosberg said: "It's good to see, and I hope that it's slightly dented his confidence.

"I need to win in Abu Dhabi and he needs to help me out so we will see what happens.

"[In Brazil] he also showed that there can be mistakes going into the last race."

Rosberg said that Hamilton's spin, which came as he appeared on course to jump the German for the lead during a pitstop cycle, helped him manage his tyres for later in the race.

"I was pleased to hear that he lost some time," said Rosberg. "That was good as I could take care of my tyres.

"I used that gap so I could be sure to have enough tyres left at the end of the stint."

While Rosberg said that he does not like the "artificial" double points rule for the F1 season finale, he added that it was disappointing that he was not close enough in the standings to make it a straight fight for victory between the two Mercedes drivers.

"Onwards and upwards," he said. "It's a pity that it's not in my hands just by four points.

"I need a bit of help from Lewis in some way at the last race, and today showed that anything can happen."

WILLIAMS ROSBERG'S BEST HOPE

Rosberg accepted that his best chance of Hamilton finishing below second at Yas Marina would be if Williams is on the pace, and he joked that he would try to get the most out of Brazilian GP podium finisher Felipe Massa.

"Lewis must not finish higher than third, which is difficult with the car that we have," he said.

"I don't know who is able to finish second - maybe a Williams can do a lucky strike or something.

"It would be awesome if they find some magical form and somehow get by.

"With the top speed they have it is realistic. Maybe there are some factors that can play into my hands.

"I need to motivate Felipe Massa so that he is on absolute stunning form over there and comes second and I win the race!"