Australian Daniel Ricciardo has backed Nico Rosberg to claim his first Formula One world title at this weekend's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Rosberg is 12 points clear of Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, meaning he will win the title if he finishes on the podium for the ninth successive race.
If he does so, he will be come just the second man to follow his father's footsteps to a world championship, after Keke Rosberg won the title in 1982.
Brits Graham (1962, 1968) and Damon Hill (1996) are the only other men to have pulled off the feat.
Hamilton must win the race if Rosberg finishes between fourth or sixth, come no lower than second if the German finishes between seventh or eighth, or be at least third if Rosberg is ninth or lower.
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But Ricciardo said the 31-year-old German deserved the title.
"Rosberg has won a lot of races this year and started the season really strong and after the mid-season break he had a really strong run as well," Ricciardo told Speedcafe.
"I think everyone has thought Hamilton is quicker and it is probably hard to question that, but I think Rosberg has done well this year to be in his position."
Ricciardo is aiming for his first podium finish from six attempts at the Yas Marina Circuit.
He has already wrapped up third in the championship, but has fininshed in the top five just one in Abu Dhabi.
He will return home for a month's break over Christmas, before returning to what he hopes are more competitive Red Bulls in 2017.
"Next year, if the cars are as quick as they say they are, it going to be pretty intense," he said.
