Lewis Hamilton admits he is facing “impossible odds” to take the Formula 1 title in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Briton is still 12 points behind Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg despite having won the last three races, while the German has set up a strong shot at his first title in Yas Marina with a succession of runner-up finishes.

Third place in Abu Dhabi would be enough for Rosberg to secure the crown, no matter what does.

The reigning world champion concedes that the odds are very much against him, but he insists he will still be proud of his season even if he ends up losing out.

“It’s not been a perfect season and I’m faced with pretty impossible odds no matter what I do this weekend,” said Hamilton in a team preview. “But I can’t and won’t give up.

“You never know what might happen – however unlikely it may seem. I’ll be proud of myself and what I’ve achieved as long as I feel I’ve given my all and performed at my best.

“And, whatever happens, I’m proud of everyone who’s been a part of the success we’ve shared over the past few years. I’m approaching this weekend the same as I do every race.

“I want to win and I’ll give it everything to finish the season on a high.”

Rosberg said he is still not planning to change his approach this weekend, and claims it will still be a challenge to get the result he needs.

“In Brazil, after the race, I was joking that I would still be taking things one race at a time,” he said. “But, the more I think about it, the more that’s actually not as crazy as it sounds.

“I have to treat this like any other race. Doing a good job on a grand prix weekend is always a challenge. Nothing in this sport is easy, so this won’t be any different and I still have to go all out for a good result.”