Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2014: Five key races that shaped the championship battle between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg

A look at the key turning points this season

Lewis Hamilton shakes hands with Nico Rosberg as the two share a smile (Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will duke it out for the 2014 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Here, we take a look at the five key races that have shaped this season.

Australia, 16 March

Hamilton takes pole for the season opener in Melbourne, but from the start his Mercedes falters with a spark-plug insulation problem, then he retires. As Rosberg wins, Hamilton is immediately put on the back foot, 25 points down.

Monaco, 25 May

Hamilton has taken the points lead after a run of four victories. Rosberg knows he has to get into his team-mate’s head and does so after employing subterfuge in qualifying to maintain pole position, from which he then wins.

Canada, 8 June

Rosberg overshoots the last corner as he and Hamilton battle and goes unpenalised, despite doubling his lead. Hamilton overstresses his brakes clawing the gap back and has to retire. Rosberg also has brake problems, but salvages second place.

Hungary, 27 July

Hamilton starts from the pit lane after his car catches fire in qualifying and spins on the damp opening lap. But he fights back into contention and refuses to comply with a request from the team to let Rosberg overtake. They finish third and fourth.

Belgium, 24 August

Rosberg, still angry after Hungary, clashes with Hamilton on the second lap. Hamilton retires; Rosberg finishes second. Later the latter admits he deliberately did not avoid a collision, and is fined by the team. Hamilton responds by winning the next five races.