Rosberg set for the last battle in race for the title

The German driver leads the drivers’ championship from his Brackley team-mate ahead of Sunday’s final race in Abu Dhabi.

Rosberg has seen Hamilton close the gap in recent races but still holds a healthy lead going into the final race.

Team boss Toto Wolff said: “To have the title decided between our two drivers at the final race of the season, for the second time in three years, shows just how closely matched they are.

“It also shows how much this team has achieved, we can be very proud of that. But, as a group, we now have one very important final duty this season, to give Nico and Lewis the platform they need to battle it out to the flag.

“Both of them have been exceptional and either one would make a worthy champion. It’s been a gruelling year for us all, with a record-breaking calendar and the added challenge of a new regulation set to prepare for in 2017.

“After such a battle of endurance, the winner can say without doubt that they earned it. We are all excited to see who that will be, may the best man win.”

Rosberg said: “It feels great to be in the world championship battle with Lewis for a third year in a row. I will give it everything to end the season with a win.

“Nothing in this sport is easy, so this won’t be any different and I still have to go all out for a good result. The closer it gets, the more I’m feeling excited.”

Hamilton added: “It’s not been a perfect season and I’m faced with pretty impossible odds no matter what I do. But I won’t give up, you never know what might happen.”