Lewis Hamilton was NOT the better driver this season but deserves F1 title - Vettel
SEBASTIAN VETTEL has suggested he has been on a par with Lewis Hamilton this season.
Sebastian Vettel mocks Lewis Hamilton before Mexico GP crash
The Ferrari man saw his hopes of securing a fifth Formula One championship of his career ended at the Mexican Grand Prix after he failed to finish in the top two.
That situation meant Mercedes driver Hamilton went level with him on four titles, three short of record holder Michael Schumacher on seven.
Hamilton is 56 points clear of Vettel with the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix to go before the end of the 2017 campaign.
Vettel says he's gone toe-to-toe with Hamilton this year though.
We had a straight fight
Asked if Hamilton won the F1 title because he was the better driver or had the better car, Vettel replied: "I don't like that. We had a straight fight.
"It was great for us this year, as well for them, but I don't want to in any way take any glory away from him. He deserves every bit of it.
"Two races to go, he seals the championship and he deserves to win."
Sebastian Vettel saw his hopes of securing a fifth championship ended at the Mexican Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel gives CUTTING response in post-race interview
Lewis Hamilton will be looking to extend his lead at the top of the standings in Brazil this weekend
Vettel and Hamilton will battle it out for supremacy at Brazil's Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace this Sunday.
The F1 season draws to a close at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina circuit on Sunday November 26.
Vettel will be hoping to take maximum points from those races to close the gap on Hamilton in the drivers' standings.