Raikkonen can't understand Rosberg doubters

Some have questioned whether the reliability problems that cost Rosberg's Mercedes team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, points this season casts aspersions over Rosberg worthiness as world champion.

But Raikkonen, who won the crown in 2007 during his first stint at Ferrari, shot down this idea.

"He scored more points and I don't understand why he wouldn't deserve it," said Raikkonen when asked about Rosberg's title win.

"They [Rosberg and Hamilton] had the same car and he came out on top, so fair play.

"He was better this year, as simple as that."

Raikkonen's Ferrari team-mate, Sebastian Vettel, also stressed that Rosberg did not luck in.

"You don't win the championship by luck," said Vettel.

"He's a deserved champion. You collect a lot of points through the season

"Sometimes you might have fortunate situations, unfortunate situations with your car but that's the way it goes.

"This is Nico's day and it's a sign of respect and greatness to give him that."