Nico Rosberg celebrates victory at Suzuka in 2016

Rosberg’s dominant drive at Suzuka secured a crucial win during the 2016 Formula 1 season

Rear view of a Mercedes Formula 1 car driven by Nico Rosberg at Suzuka Circuit, with sparks flying from the underside as it corners during practice.

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April 28, 2026

October 7, 2016
Suzuka, Japan

By Round 17, Nico Rosberg led Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton by 23 points. Here’s Rosberg in practice dramatically demonstrating the concept of lateral load transfer. He would go on to take victory in the race meaning that if Hamilton won the last four GPs with Rosberg finishing second, Rosberg would take the title… which is exactly what happened.