Norbert Haug has backed Nico Rosberg to put the lid on his first world championship next weekend in Abu Dhabi.

A third place will seal the 2016 crown for the German, but former Mercedes boss Haug thinks that although Lewis Hamilton is finishing in top form, Rosberg will deserve his title.

"Nico has kept developing, he has won nine races this year which is statistically almost every second one. You can't do this success even in the best team with luck, only with skill," Haug told Germany's Sport Bild.

"Whoever can keep focused for many years, not being put off by setbacks and the winning of his teammate, deserves this title especially."

Haug therefore backs Rosberg to keep his consistency and nerve in Abu Dhabi, notwithstanding the heat of a championship finale.

"I think Nico is strong enough to tackle his match point like any other race," he told newspaper Stuttgarter Nachrichten.

Twelve points separate the Mercedes pair entering the season finale.