Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has suggested that both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg would be worthy Formula 1 world champions this season.
Hamilton leads the drivers' rankings by 17 points going into the last race in Abu Dhabi, but Rosberg can overtake the Briton with double points on offer next weekend.
However, Wolff believes that the Mercedes pair are likely to be competing for world titles beyond the end of 2014.
He is quoted by ESPN as saying: "When we look back through the season, each driver has had his share of ups and downs and both have shown great strength of character to recover from setbacks.
"As a team we are fortunate to have such a talented line-up and both are worthy champions in the eyes of everybody behind them at Brackley, Brixworth and Stuttgart.
"Of course, there will be bitter disappointment for one of them and great joy for the other. While it won't be apparent to them at the time, both have long careers ahead of them and they have proven their credentials for the years to come."
Mercedes wrapped up their first constructors' title after Hamilton led home a one-two at last month's Russian Grand Prix.
