2014 Brazilian F1 GP: Rosberg Narrows Hamilton Gap With Interlagos Victory

Mercedes-AMG's Nico Rosberg bounced back from a demoralising US Grand Prix to win the Brazilian Grand Prix, withstanding huge pressure from Lewis Hamilton for the last twenty laps.

Rosberg didn't just take the flag on Sunday, he dominated most of the weekend, leaving Interlagos trailing Hamilton by seventeen points. 

Ahead in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton will have to either claim victory or stay close to Rosberg if he is to clinch his second championship.

Daniel Ricciardo's race ended in suspension failure after a quiet weekend for the Red Bull team, while Jenson Button improved his chances of retaining his seat with a hard-won fourth place.

PRACTICE AND QUALIFYING

Nico Rosberg's performance over the three practice and subsequent three qualifying sessions was flawless - he ensured he was faster than Hamilton at every turn.

The times were scintillating, with Rubens Barrichello's lap record from 2004 finally falling, partly due to a new surface on the notoriously bumpy track.

Jenson Button claimed McLaren was "nowhere" on Friday but on Saturday the team improved to find themselves in the top ten, as did Williams.

Red Bull struggled all weekend, with Ricciardo (P9) and Vettel (P6) both hustling to make it to Q3.

The Ferraris threatened, with Raikkonen having a rare, consistent weekend until it all went wrong in Q3, while Alonso had a frustrated exchange with his pit wall during qualifying.

Massa enjoyed a second row start in front of his home crowd, with Bottas close behind.

Kvyat and Perez ended up on the back row owing to penalties.