Hamilton wins Formula One world title as rival Rosberg hits trouble

After a rollercoaster eight months of intense competition with his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, the Briton captured a second world title with victory at the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi.The 29-year-old added the 2014 crown at the twilight season finale to the 2008 title he won with McLaren.The hyped desert duel between Hamilton and Rosberg failed to materialize when the German's car lost power from its hybrid energy recovery system at the halfway stage of the race and his challenge fell away.Mercedes told Rosberg to retire his car because of "too many problems" but he responded: "I would like to go to the end."As his title rival and teenage friend had to swallow a bitter defeat, Hamilton, who had passed Rosberg for the lead at the start, sailed to the checkered flag, winning his 11th race of the season -- and with it a second world title."Woo Hoo! World champion, I can't believe it!" an ecstatic Hamilton cheered over the pit to car radio on his victory lap.Keeping his swelling emotions under wraps, Hamilton did not take off his helmet as he hugged his family and girlfriend, American pop star Nicole Scherzinger, when he climbed out of the car."I'm a bit lost for words really," Hamilton beamed from the Abu Dhabi podium."This is the greatest day of my life. It's really due to the people around me. 2008 was a special time in my life but the feeling I have now is way, way past that."It means even more than the first one. It feels like it's the first time."Before Hamilton joined the two Williams drivers of Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, who had finished second and third, on the podium, Rosberg also came to hug it out with Hamilton."He just came into the room and said 'you drove really well'" revealed Hamilton. "Nico put on an incredible fight throughout the year. He was a phenomenal competitor."Bakudaily.Az