Winner Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, right, cheers second place Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany, on the podium after the Emirates Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina racetrack in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Nov 27, 2016. [Photo/IC]

The frosty atmosphere between the Mercedes pair as they waited for the podium ceremony spoke volumes, with Rosberg hoisting the sport's 86-year-old commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone into the air but ignoring Hamilton.

There was minimal eye contact, let alone a handshake.

The hug, the handshakes and somewhat forced-sounding words of congratulation, eventually came on the podium.

"That was definitely not the most enjoyable race I've ever had... really not very enjoyable those last laps," said Rosberg in podium interviews conducted by former F1 racer David Coulthard.

"I'm glad it's over, and I am ecstatic. It was really intense and tough out there."