Nico Rosberg has clinched his first Formula One world title at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, reports CNN.

The Mercedes driver pipped teammate Lewis Hamilton to the drivers' championship despite the Briton taking the checkered flag at the Yas Marina Circuit.

The 31-year-old finished second close behind Hamilton with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel coming home in third.

Rosberg came into the race with a 12-point lead over Hamilton and knew a podium finish would be enough to deny the Briton a third consecutive world crown.