Rosberg’s title rival Lewis Hamilton arrived for the season finale knowing that a victory alone would not be enough to stop his Mercedes team-mate from winning his first title, and so it proved.

Hamilton crossed the line ahead of Rosberg to claim his fourth consecutive victory.

But it is Rosberg, after a hairy exchange with Max Verstappen, a slow first pit stop, and Hamilton backing him into the clutches of the rest of the pack, who has emulated his father Keke – the 1982 title winner – to become the sport’s 33rd champion.

Elsewhere, Jenson Button’s grand prix career ended in bitter disappointment after he was forced to retire.

Button, competing in what he described as ”probably” his final race as he makes way for Stoffel Vandoorne at McLaren next season, lasted only 12 laps before he parked his car.

The 36-year-old Englishman ran heavily over a kerb at the Yas Marina Circuit which damaged his front suspension.

Daniel Ricciardo finished fifth for Red Bull with Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg in sixth. Felipe Massa ended his final grand prix in ninth.