Formula 1

Hamilton regrets not taking Abu Dhabi strategy gamble

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Lewis Hamilton admitted he wished he could have attempted to utilise a different strategy at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in order to attempt to snatch victory out of the hands of team-mate Nico Rosberg.

The triple World Champion pitted for a second time much later than his Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team-mate, but was unable to bridge the gap to Rosberg, but felt not pitting would have given him a chance, even if the grip levels would have been significantly lower.

“I did what I was told pretty much,” revealed Hamilton. “I tried as hard as I could in the first stint, keeping a decent gap to Nico, looking after the tyres.

“The second stint I was quicker, getting close [one second behind], and I could have made the tyres last longer. But it was down to the team which tyre we went to for the final stint.

“I’m not sure if I could have taken my tyres to the end – some part of me wishes I had just given it a go.”

Hamilton paid tribute to his team for giving him the machinery to secure his third World Championship, and insists he will reset and refresh ahead of the 2016, when he will aim for his fourth crown.

“I haven’t finished the season as strongly as I started it – but what an incredible year it’s been,” said Hamilton. “This team has done a remarkable job, so a big thank you to everyone back at the factories. I wouldn’t be standing here as World Champion without them.

“I’ll go away now for the winter aiming to come back stronger, fitter and straight on top of our new car for 2016.”

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