How Lewis Hamilton can claim a fifth F1 title in Austin

Lewis Hamilton could win the 2018 Formula 1 drivers’ world championship at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin.

A commanding victory at the Japanese Grand Prix last time out has moved Hamilton to the verge of clinching his fifth world title, having opened up a 67-point gap to nearest rival Sebastian Vettel after the Ferrari driver could only manage sixth place during a nightmare weekend for the Scuderia.

It has set up the possibility for the Mercedes driver to wrap up this year’s championship battle with three races to spare, providing he outscores Vettel by eight points in the United States on October 21.

A 75-point lead heading to Mexico would enable Hamilton to become just the third driver in F1 history to have won five or more drivers’ titles and move him within reach of Michael Schumacher's all-time record of seven world championships. 

United States GP title permutations:

Hamilton will be crowned 2018 world champion if

· Hamilton wins with Vettel third or lower

· Hamilton finishes second with Vettel fifth or lower

· Hamilton finishes third with Vettel seventh or lower

· Hamilton finishes fourth with Vettel eighth or lower

· Hamilton finishes fifth with Vettel ninth or lower

· Hamilton finishes sixth with Vettel failing to score

Should Hamilton win, Vettel must be second to ensure the title fight continues to Mexico, while Hamilton’s title celebrations will also be put on hold if he finishes seventh or lower at the Circuit of the Americas.

Hamilton holds an exemplary record at COTA having been victorious at five of the six races held at the circuit since 2012 - with Vettel denying Hamilton a clean sweep of wins thanks to his solitary triumph in 2013.

Current form would favour Hamilton, given he has taken four consecutive wins since the Belgian Grand Prix in August, heading a Mercedes 1-2 in the last two events in Sochi and Suzuka.

Hamilton was crowned a three-time world champion at the Austin venue when he beat Nico Rosberg to the world title three races early in 2015.

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