Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany celebrates on the podium after winning the 2016 world championship during the Emirates Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina racetrack in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Nov 27, 2016. [Photo/IC]

ABU DHABI - Nico Rosberg shed tears of joy after clinching his first Formula One championship on Sunday in a tense Abu Dhabi Grand Prix won by Mercedes team mate and title rival Lewis Hamilton amid accusations of 'dirty tricks'.

Hamilton chalked up his 10th win of the season, and fourth in a row, but the Briton was powerless to do anything about the championship outcome despite trying to help rivals pass the second-placed German.

His attempt to push Rosberg into the clutches of those behind, by deliberately slowing to the concern of team bosses, produced a nail-biting finish with the top four separated by just 1.6 seconds.

"Lewis, this is Paddy we need you to pick up the pace to win this race," technical head Paddy Lowe told the Briton over the team radio.

"Right now, I'm losing the world championship so I'm not bothered if I'm going to lose the race," replied Hamilton, who crossed the line 0.4 seconds ahead of Rosberg with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel third a further 0.4 behind.