If Lewis Hamilton is crowned world champion this year, he would be a more worthy four-time world champion than Sebastian Vettel, according to Fernando Alonso.
Hamilton stands a strong chance of securing his fourth world crown this year, and could actually put the title fight to rest in Sunday's US Grand Prix if the chips fall his way.
If so, he would equal Vettel's own track record of four world titles, all secured with Red Bull in consecutive years between 2010 and 2013.
As he compares the achievements of Formula 1's two front-runners, Alonso believes there's a discrepancy however between the two men and their respective achievements.
"In a way I am happy that Lewis gets this fourth title," Alonso said in Austin.
"It's strange to see four Vettel and three for Hamilton, now there is much more logic. I think Lewis has had a better racing career."
The Spaniard, who has two world titles of his own, has unfortunately been deprived of an opportunity to fight for top honors since he joined McLaren in 2015.
Despite his prolonged absence from the winners' circle, Alonso insists he has no particular feelings about not being involved in the title fight, knowing all too well the reasons for his deficit.
"You don't have any special feelings when you are not fighting," he said.
"I think when I was fighting for the championship you see Sebastian winning, maybe it is hurting sometimes because maybe you feel that you deserve it more or you had this possibility here and there.
"When you are not in contention I think it is not big thing. It's not your battle."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter