Lewis Hamilton has his first chance to clinch a fifth Formula 1 World Championship at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
Mercedes driver Hamilton trailed title rival Sebastian Vettel after July’s British Grand Prix but their fortunes have drastically altered in the events since.
Vettel’s early exit on home soil in Germany marked the start of his title bid unravelling, as Hamilton went on to claim an unexpected triumph from 14th on the grid.
Hamilton’s Hockenheim success was the first of six wins in a spell of just seven Grands Prix, and he heads to Austin on an unbroken streak of four victories.
Hamilton holds a 67-point advantage and will clinch the title if that gap increases to 75 when the chequered flag is shown at the end of the 56-lap Grand Prix.
Should Hamilton win, and Vettel place third or lower, then the Mercedes driver will be crowned World Champion for a fifth time.
Given Hamilton’s record at the Circuit of the Americas – he has won five of its six Grands Prix – that is the easiest situation to consider.
The other mathematics are as follows; Hamilton will be World Champion if:
He is second and Vettel is fifth or lower
He is third and Vettel is seventh or lower
He is fourth and Vettel is eighth or lower
He is fifth and Vettel is ninth or lower
He is sixth and Vettel does not score
Should any of these situations fail to occur then the title battle will roll on to Mexico, where a 50-point advantage for Hamilton post-race would be sufficient.
Hamilton previously claimed the Formula 1 title in 2008, 2014, 2015 and 2017.
Mercedes is not in a position to clinch a potential fifth straight Constructors’ Championship this weekend.
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