US Grand Prix: How can Lewis Hamilton win the F1 championship?

Hamilton needs to finish at least fifth in order to become the first British driver to retain the Formula 1 world championship

Lewis Hamilton is on the verge of becoming the first ever British driver to defend the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

A third world title of his career, which looks almost guaranteed given his 66-point lead over Sebastian Vettel, would see him tie Sir Jackie Stewart as the only British driver to win three F1 world titles.

Hamilton has already claimed nine race victories this season and a tenth looks almost certain to guarantee him the championship, with Vettel needing to come second in order to keep the title battle alive mathematically.

Hamilton has an additional boost in that a 75-point gap will secure him the title as no other driver can match his tally of wins should they finish level on points.

So what does Hamilton need to do in order to wrap up the 2015 championship at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas?

Lewis Hamilton will be crowned 2015 F1 world champion if he finishes:
• 1st and Vettel does not finish second
• 2nd and Vettel finishes 6th or worse and Nico Rosberg does not win
• 3rd and Vettel finishes 7th or worse and Rosberg finishes 4th or worse
• 4th and Vettel finishes 8th or worse and Rosberg finishes 5th or worse
• 5th and Vettel finishes 9th or worse and Rosberg finishes 6th or worse

Should Hamilton finish sixth or worse, the Mercedes driver will have to wait until the next race in Mexico before he can try and wrap up the title.