Ex-Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell believes Mercedes will pick the winner of this year’s title as Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton battle each other.

The team-mates for the UK-based constructor have led the way all season with German driver Rosberg currently 22 points ahead of Hamilton.

But Mansell reckons rather than letting the duo, who have a tempestuous relationship, compete for the title, Mercedes will use team orders to pick their champion.

“Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton have got [the title] in the bag between them,” Mansell told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“I think [who wins] is totally in the hands of the powers that be at Mercedes. Whoever is favoured by them is the person who will win the championship.

“I know that’s a tough thing to say but they’ve got two great drivers there and they are going to manage it how they want to.

“I hope they let them fight it out at the end of the year but I’m sure if there are any other repercussions [from their rivalry] they will enforce team orders in the next few races.”