F1 Brazil Grand Prix 2014: Rosberg Narrows Hamilton's Lead In Nail-Biting Race

Nico Rosberg held on to a tight lead to take out the 2014 Brazil Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton unable to capitalise on being within second from the German at points during the race.

Rosberg is now within 17 points of Hamilton and with double points in action the latter's lead is particularly slim in the lead up to Abu Dhabi.

"I am very happy with the whole weekend," Rosberg said after the race. "I was able to attack and control the gap to Lewis in the race. It all worked out so that is great and the support has been excellent."

Holding onto first place was no easy task for Rosberg after he pipped Hamilton for pole position in the qualifying stage. He also had a little bit of luck on his side as his British teammate suffered a spin halfway through the race after coming into the run-off area.

But the end of the race was where the pressure well and truly built as Hamilton closed a seven second gap but was unable to find space to make a pass.

Hamilton will win the championship if he comes second in Abu Dhabi but the double points rule makes for an exciting finale for the two drivers, who have had their ups and downs with one another over the course of the 2014 season.

Although he was disappointed not to win, Hamilton told reporters after the race: "It was an amazing race, I had a great time. I made a big mistake in the middle of the race but otherwise the car was superb and everyone did a great job.

"It was great to race Nico and it is brilliant to see Felipe up here on the podium. There is now everything to play for in the final race in Abu Dhabi."

Felipe Massa came in third place which pleased the Brazilian crowd and the Williams driver insisted that it was a highlight to take to the podium on his own turf.

"I am so happy for the race, there were so many mistakes; I had the five-second penalty and I stopped in the wrong garage but the car was terrific," he said.

Jenson Button came in fourth place while Sebastian Vettel followed in fifth, with Fernando Alonso coming in sixth. Daniel Ricciardo retired from the race with a suspension problem but wrapped up third place in the championship, a stunning result in his first season with Red Bull.