Rosberg's overdue fifth win of the season, in Brazil last weekend, was a reminder to a world that was beginning to consider him already beaten that he is as determined as ever.
He might have to rely on Hamilton running into trouble in the finale in Abu Dhabi on November 23, despite the controversial double-points system, but Rosberg has made it clear he will be happy however his first World Championship title might come.
Hamilton, meanwhile, has been there before, as a contender in 2007 and as the eventual winner in 2008. Perhaps that will give him an edge.
"I think a lot of people underestimate how good my first year was," he said, though how that might be when he immediately showed himself to be a match for Fernando Alonso, is a puzzle.
"People constantly compared me to him, but it was my rookie year. It's different now and I hope that experience counts for something.
"In those two years, as far as I can remember, I definitely felt the tension more over those two [final] weekends. But I know I am more prepared now than I have ever been. I am stronger now than I was then, both mentally and physically.
"Going into this last one, I don't think there is a special recipe for it. I just have to go and do what I have been doing. Drive the way I have been driving in races because generally it's been good. I won't make a mistake like I did [in Brazil, referring to the half-spin that cost him his chance of victory on Sunday] and if I had a better qualifying it would be good."
So long as his Mercedes stays reliable, all he needs to do is follow Rosberg home in what would be a record 12th one-two for the Stuttgart manufacturer, though naturally Hamilton will be going for the win. Rosberg needs him to finish third or worse, or to retire.
Having won in 2008, Hamilton might be forgiven for feeling more relaxed about a second.
But he insists this time winning would be even more important.
"It means more to me. I'll do the same stuff I always do, and then stand for the national anthem and get on with my driving. That's what I have done at every race this year.
"But right now I'm not thinking about Abu Dhabi. There's no point dwelling on it.
"All I can do is make sure I do the best I can do over the whole weekend, and the rest will follow."
In the meantime, he said in Brazil, he will be focused on spending time with his family, his girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger and his dogs.
"I'll do some training and then a day or two at the factory. But as soon as I leave [Sao Paulo], I am not thinking about racing, that's for sure."
Rosberg vs Hamilton: How the title will be won
If Rosberg is 1st Hamilton must finish 2nd
2nd - 5th
3rd - 6th
4th - 8th
5th - 9th
6th Hamilton is champion
-Independent
