MOTORSPORT: F1 duel in the desert

The hashtag some are using for this weekend's final round of Formula One is #desertduel.

It neatly encapsulates the 55-lap title decider in Abu Dhabi. After 18 races the championship has come down to two men – teammates at Mercedes AMG: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

They've known each other since they were juniors racing Karts but the friendship was strained on a number of occasions this season. They tried to tell us everything was cool but it seemed irreparable. Fighting for the ultimate prize in motor racing will do that.

Hamilton is box office! A global sports star like Roger Federer or Tiger Woods. He's won 10 races this year and had his share of drama too, like a $5 part failure that forced him to retire from season opening GP in Australia.

Lewis takes a 17-point advantage into this race at the impressive Yas Marina circuit, and he knows how to cope with championship pressure.

"People talk about how long it's been since I won the title – but I honestly feel like I'm fighting for my first World Championship all over again. Sure, I'm older and maybe a little bit wiser than I was back then. I've learnt a lot in the years since 2008 – but I'm still the same driver. I still have the same hunger, the same will to win."

If Lewis wins Sunday's race he's champion. If Rosberg is first to the chequered flag and Hamilton is 2nd Lewis will still be champion. There are other possibilities that you need a slide rule for, but crucially Nico must finish in the top five to have any chance.

Rosberg may have only won half the number of races his teammate has in 2014 but he's shown tremendous maturity. He thought his way around problems and salvaged crucial points and that has kept him in the game. There's no better example than Canada when he drove around power unit and rear brake issues to finish 2nd as Daniel Ricciardo celebrated his maiden win. Being canny and technically savvy are Nico's biggest strengths as he fights for a title for the first time in his Formula One career.

"I go into this race with no fear and with every belief that this can be my title. It's not over until that flag drops!"

That sense of self-belief is important for the German. Rosberg bounced back to win the last race in Brazil just a week after starting the US Grand Prix from pole position only to be overtaken by Hamilton on lap 24.

Expat Aussie engineer Sam Michael has worked in Formula One for over 20 years, more recently as Sporting Director at McLaren, a team that nurtured Hamilton in the early part of his career. Michael was also at Williams when Rosberg drove for them.

"I think both Lewis and Nico are worthy champions – you don't end up in a title battle at the last race unless you are damn good. Lewis for his emotion and raw talent in the cockpit, and Nico for his supreme technical understanding and race craft.

"Ultimately, with a 17 point deficit to his teammate, and no other cars close enough to Mercedes to take points away, something has to give for Nico to stand on the top step... and the double points for the last race will most likely play a key role too."

Deep down I fear we'll talk about this race for a long time because of the double points on offer. It was brought in as a Vettel stopper after his dominance in recent years but the sport doesn't need it. Fans don't like it and neither do most constituents.

"Let's say Nico wins and Lewis finishes 3rd in Abu Dhabi the extra points on offer here will see Nico crowned champion. For Lewis to win 10 races and lose the title this way would be ludicrous!" says NBC F1 commentator and front man Leigh Diffey.

"The system is just crazy. Thankfully, from what we understand, offering bonus points at the final round like this will be a oncer. Still, I haven't been this excited about a race meeting in a long time. I'm not saying I favour Hamilton over Rosberg. Nico is technically proficient but I think when it comes down to the raw essence of driving a race car in that situation... if it becomes a real heated scrap for the title... Hamilton is the one you want."

Some final thoughts from another industry colleague who is well respected in the paddock. Writer and BBC Commentator Tom Clarkson. "It's Lewis's to lose, thanks to his points advantage. But Rosberg is the calmer of the two characters and that counts for a lot in such a high-pressure situation. Rosberg to win the race, Lewis the title – that's my gut feeling."

Mercedes has already sewn up the constructor's title so both drivers can just race. The team is desperately hoping that reliability won't be an issue for either driver, come Sunday.

Overnight Ferrari finally confirmed that Fernando Alonso is leaving and that Sebastian Vettel will join the famous red squad in a three-year deal. No matter what unfolds in Abu Dhabi Daniel Ricciardo will finish the season third in the driver's championship. It's been a brilliant season and his star just keeps getting brighter. But these stories all take a back seat now. It's about two men, one race and the chance to become world champion.

Greg Rust is a freelance presenter and commentator with Channel 10.