Winning the F1 title from Verstappen would be a “feel-good story”

Verstappen leads Hamilton only six points ahead of the top of the F1 championship table before the last six races of a season that has produced the closest title fight in years.

With Red Bull and Mercedes embroiled in an intense battle for supremacy, the title showdown between Verstappen and Hamilton is expected to go through to the season finale in Abu Dhabi in December.

Verstappen is aiming for his first world title, while Hamilton aims to surpass Michael Schumacher and become the first eight-time Formula 1 world champion by winning his fifth driver’s crown in a row.

“I just think ‘may the best man win’,” replied Ricciardo – who was Verstappen’s partner at Red Bull between 2016 and 2018 – when asked who he would like to see to win the World Cup.

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“The rivalry they had this year was pretty great as a fan. I think they left everything out there. From that point of view, I think they are where they are, I think it’s fair in the moment if they are crisp. So it doesn’t matter.

“I think people obviously like to see a fresh face, so Max may be the more popular choice because it would be his first title for him and it’s something new and exciting for everyone. It’s always like having this feel-good story.

“But I think as long as there is no misfortune involved, I think that whoever deserves it wins.”

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Ricciardo’s McLaren team-mate Lando Norris, who is fourth in the championship and is still 117.5 points behind Verstappen with a total of 159 points, joked: “To be honest, I would like to win it.

“I think it’s a little far away now. I do not mind. Of course, as a Brit, I support Lewis, but I’m also a good buddy with Max.

“So I think whoever wins has done the best job. They’ve been very even all season, so may the best man win. That’s it.”