Daniel Ricciardo, a lock for third place in this year's Formula 1 World Championship, has weighed in on the upcoming Abu Dhabi title race, giving the edge to German driver Nico Rosberg. The fight, dubbed "Duel in the Desert," will see Rosberg battling it out with Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, who stands to become the first British racer to win four consecutive titles.
Ricciardo made it clear that it wasn't a case of favoring one over the other, but of realizing that Rosberg is better positioned to come out on top of the F1 Championship race this weekend. Rosberg, who is 12 points ahead of Hamilton in the current standings, does indeed have the momentum. In fact, a podium finish at the Abu Dhabi track will be enough to secure the F1 championship title for Rosberg, according to Sky Sports.
Ricciardo predicted even during earlier stages of the F1 season that the German racer would come out on top, but only because "everyone else" was betting on Lewis, he said. He emphasized that both racers are deserving of the win, citing Rosberg's streak of wins and Hamilton' comebacks.
Ricciardo added that Hamilton was quicker, but Rosberg had done enough to get ahead, according to Speedcafe. The Red bull driver also acknowledged that even though he was out of the race for champion, his performance in Abu Dhabi could tip the scales in favor of either Rosberg or Lewis.
He added that his goal was to pick up more silverware, if he could, and that if it changes the F1 championship result it would add some fun to what's shaping up to be a predictable race. According to CNN, if Hamilton finishes anywhere lower than third place, it would seal the win for Rosberg.
The Mercedes drivers have all but swept the past 20 races of the F1 season, winning a combined 18. The other two races were topped by Red Bull drivers Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.
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