As Tennis Chapter Comes to An End, F1 Beginnings Saw Roger Federer Feature At Iconic Lewis Hamilton Showdown

Tennis sensation Roger Federer is on the news as the Swiss wizard announced his retirement from the sport. As Federer is slated to retire post-Laver Cup next week in London, here’s a throwback to the moments when he was at the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 20-times Grand Slam winner declared his retirement on Thursday in an Instagram post. As the world wishes all the luck and appreciation to Roger Federer for his contribution to sports, we take a look at the time when he wished the same to Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

The Swiss international visited the F1 paddock during the 2016 title decider race. Talking about this, Federer conveyed in an interview, “It’s my first time here at a Formula 1 Grand Prix.”

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“This is big for me and I’m trying to get some information and it’s just fascinating. This world is completely different to tennis and I’m just really happy to be here,” stated the 41-year-old tennis star.

What happened in the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

All eyes were on the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg as it was time for the final ‘lights out and away we go.’ Hamilton entered the Abu Dhabi race 12 points behind his teammate, Rosberg.

There were chances for both the drivers to take the F1 championship home. As the race was inching closer, Federer shared his thought on the race. He stated, “Lewis knows how it’s done, and Nico really wants it, he’s in the lead. He’s done everything right this season. So it’s gonna be epic.”

The race started with multiple scenarios. Hamilton would win the championship if Rosberg finishes in P4 or lower. On the other hand, Rosberg will win if he manages the podium place.

Ultimately, it was the German driver, Nico Rosberg, who had the last laugh as he finished the UAE race in P2. As for Hamilton, he took the pole on Saturday, won the race on Sunday, and still, it was not enough for the then three-time world champion.

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The German finished the 2016 season with 385 points as compared to the Briton’s 380. With that, Rosberg picked up his first F1 world title that he was fighting for for three years and retired from the sport. As for Hamilton, he lived to fight another day.