Honestly, i've thought far before this WDC fight was more or less over;
that chances are Lewis and Nico might turn to become afriend teammates again,
when the pressure finally is off and Nico got his WDC.
The 'rooster fight' will be over and next season, it won't be Nico's hunt for his 1st WDC anymore.
Nico is able to 'relax', and Lewis will realise that 'you can't always have it all'.
Last couple of years, there was some paint scratching and dirty moves - no matter from who's side, to be honest -
so it caused friction and turmoil and upset their initial 'friendship'.
I think now all that 'tension' is off, it can go back to normal, and it becomes a lighter environment.
that is, except for the part where I truly do believe that the problem at Mercedes has 'grown' into something that
is not originated from Rosberg or about Rosberg at all. I don't believe for a second Nico 'convinced' the team to 'steal'
Lewis thunder, or 'con' things into having a WDC. But i COULD be persuaded to suspect that Mercedes whatever the cost
wanted a German WDC. I do firmly believe there are some signs that things delibaretly went into Nico's way - i don't think Nico was aware of that, or whether he knew about that deal.
Point is, the signs are all around that there is more to it behind closed doors and it's not a pretty picture. Lewis' comments on Spain and the 'book' are very clear about it, and because of that, whilst i'm confident the relationship between Nico and Lewis will have a refreshed and positive start next season, the same cannot be said for Lewis relationship with the team itself, i'm afraid.......
Anyway, I want to make some thing perfectly clear though.
I DO think Nico did a great job this year and absolutely don't believe he is unworthy or undeserving of the WDC title and trophy. Even though Lewis has had bad more bad luck, and things have went into Nico's way a good amount this year, he still capitalised on it, kept his calm, and did what he needed to do to get the WDC. I especially think he 'deserves' this title because he tried to get it in a different way than last years, and it played dividends.
Last 2 years, it was clear he couldn't 'beat' Lewis the way he was racing. Nico seemingly was focused too much on 'taking on the fight' with Lewis and fighting him in Lewis domain. Not being able to beat him at Lewis 'areas, he sometimes had nothing but to resort to 'dirty' tricks. Not that there weren't occasions of that this year, but i feel this year was different.
Nico seemed to have grown to a much more stable mindset this year. 'Solid like a rock'.
And look, he's been on it all-year long and not only held the battle, but won the battle against a 3-times WDC that arguably was the more popular figure.
I'm curious on whether Nico will still 'bring it' next year, and how the battle will pan out. If Mclaren and RedBull have catched up with the new rules, then the team is going to need Lewis' more than ever. If they are still/again miles ahead, I think it'll pick up next year where it left this year.