Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey is remaining neutral in the title fight between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, merely hoping the championship goes to a decider in Abu Dhabi.
The two drivers have won seven of the last nine championships but this year marks the first occasion they have truly gone head-to-head with each other as Ferrari have proven the match of Mercedes at most circuits.
After seizing the lead with victory in Australia, Vettel has managed to maintain the lead in the points standings but the gap between the two have never gone beyond the 25 points for a race win.
Currently, the difference between them sits at 14 following the German’s win in Hungary just over a week ago with nine of the 20 races this year still to go.
“My wish is that the championship remains open until Abu Dhabi,” Carey said, commenting on how the season has played out.
“There is no mould from which a hero is cast. We need different personalities and Vettel is one of the great protagonists of our sport, even if he is different from Lewis.”
Traditionally his predecessor Bernie Ecclestone would be less on the fence, usually backing the driver that would be best for business to become champion. I recent years that was Hamilton but the Briton struck a strong friendship with Vettel during his successful spell at Red Bull.
Pushed a little harder if he had a ‘favourite’, Carey retorted: “You mean the German driver with the Italian car or the Briton in the German car?
“I’m always asked and I always say I just want a good race.”
One name not being mentioned but certainly is still a factor is Valtteri Bottas with the Finn only 33 points behind and ready to pounce should anything happen ahead.