One of the fiercest rivalries in Formula One was between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Once considered the best of mates, a title race turned them into bitter rivals.

The two pushed each other so hard that it resulted in Rosberg locking himself in a hotel room, telling himself to throw whatever he has to have the edge over Hamilton.

Being defeated by his teammate three-row years in a row fueled the German driver and motivate himself to overcome Hamilton.

Nico Rosberg talks about the steps he took to beat Lewis Hamilton

Speaking to Time Magazine, as quoted by PlanetF1, the 2016 champion said, “At the time it was like, ‘he’s probably too nice to be World Champion against the ruthless Lewis.

“I lost to Lewis three years in a row. And it was so painful, the last time. I locked myself in a hotel room, and I reminded myself to push, push, push like hell. It just enhanced my motivation, my focus,” Rosberg concluded.

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Rosberg threw everything at Lewis to claim the 2016 championship

Rosberg was disappointed not to claim his first title back in 2015, while Lewis took home his third title. However, the German driver was bruised but not broken, and pushed himself to get ready for the 2016 season.

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But, the road to glory wasn’t an easy won for Rosberg, as Lewis was also aiming at another title. One of the most-talked-about incidents between the two teammates was the race in Spain, where Lewis took out Rosberg in the opening laps, which hurt the German’s hopes of winning a title.

The title race was so intense that it went to the final race of the season at Abu Dhabi, Lewis may have won the race, but it was Rosberg who was celebrating as he just needed to finish on the podium, which he did by crossing the line in second place.

His dream of being a world champion was completed and decided to retire, and part ways with the world of Formula One.

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