SAO PAULO -- Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg secured second place in the Formula One drivers' championship by winning the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday.

German pilot Nico Rosberg of Mercedes team celebrates after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix F1 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Nov. 15, 2015.??[Photo/Xinhua]

The 30-year-old started from pole position and led throughout to stave off a challenge from teammate and already crowned world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Sebastian Vettel finished third ahead of fellow Ferrari driver Kimi Raikonnen.

It was Rosberg's second victory in as many years at the Interlagos circuit and gave him in unassailable buffer in second place with one race remaining.

The German paid tribute to victims of the Paris terror attacks on Friday upon receiving the winner's trophy.

"It was a great weekend for me. Of course everything is relative with what happened back in Paris, but it went perfectly," he said.

"Lewis put on a great challenge but I was able to control it and I was really happy with that."

Rosberg made a perfect start, opening up a 1.5 second lead before being challenged by Hamilton after the first pit stop.

The Briton closed the gap to less than a second but was unable to draw close enough to attempt a passing move.

"I had good pace but you just can't overtake here," Hamilton said. I was behind Nico and in traffic for some time and I just killed my tyres. I don't know if there was anyone else overtaking, unless you have a huge advantage you can't get close."

It was a disappointing day for Brazilian pair Feilpe Massa and Felipe Nasr in front of their home fans. The former - who has won twice before here - finished eighth in his Ferrari while Sauber's Nasr crossed the line in 14th.