2016

2016 came in the middle of Mercedes' era of dominance. Childhood friends turned team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had already helped Mercedes secure two consecutive Constructors' Championships, while Hamilton had claimed the Drivers' title in both 2014 and 2015.

Rosberg had established himself as one of Formula One's quickest drivers, but despite several race victories and finishing as runner up in 2014 and 2015, he was yet to mount a sustained championship challenge. In 2016, that would finally change.

What followed was one of Formula One's most intense intra-team rivalries of the modern era. Wheel-to-wheel battles, controversial collisions, psychological pressure and relentless consistency from both drivers ensured the championship remained alive until the very last race.

Rosberg ultimately secured his first World Championship by just five points, ending Hamilton's bid for a third consecutive title. Only five days after winning the championship, he stunned the sport by announcing his retirement, ending one of Formula One's defining rivalries of the hybrid era.