Mathematically, Rosberg won the title the same way Hamilton won in 08. In that he benefitted from having no mechanical problems during the races to Hamilton's one. A crucial failure at that while leading a later season race in Malaysia with 15 laps to go.

In 08. Hamilton suffered no mechanical failures to Massa's three. In including a crucial later in the season race in in Hungary with 3 laps to go.

Hamilton scored 98.7% of Rosberg's score. In 08, Massa scored 98.97% of Hamilton's score.

Where there's also a similarity in that despite driving well, they weren't necessarily the best performed drivers overall relative to the cars the drove. They benefitted from driving better cars. As is, Ricciardo was the best driver this season, as was Kubica in 08.