Lewis Hamilton is on the brink of taking the Formula 1 title for a sixth time and for a third successive year he could wrap up proceedings at the Mexican Grand Prix. But how? Motorsport Week takes a look at the maths.
Hamilton holds a 64-point advantage over Valtteri Bottas in the Drivers’ Championship, and his Mercedes team-mate is the only driver who can deny him the crown.
There are 78 points up for grabs across the remaining events in the United States, Brazil and Abu Dhabi, given that there are 25 available for a win and one for fastest lap.
Hamilton, with nine victories, would seal the title in Mexico if he is 78 or more clear of Bottas after the race.
It means he has to out-score his team-mate by 14 points.
Hamilton will be crowned champion in Mexico if:
He wins the grand prix, with fastest lap, and Bottas is fourth or lower
He wins the grand prix, without fastest lap, and Bottas is fifth or lower
He takes second place, with fastest lap, and Bottas is eighth or lower
He takes second place, without fastest lap, and Bottas is eighth – without fastest lap – or lower
He takes third place, with fastest lap, and Bottas is ninth – without fastest lap – or lower
He takes third place, without fastest lap, and Bottas scores only one point or fewer
Irrespective of where Bottas finishes, Hamilton will not be champion if he places lower than third
Should Hamilton be unable to seal the title in Mexico then he will have a second opportunity to do so in the United States, where a 52-point advantage would be sufficient.
Mercedes wrapped up its sixth successive Constructors’ title at the most recent round in Japan.
