F1 US Grand Prix: how Lewis Hamilton can win the title in Austin

It’s possible, results depending, that Lewis Hamilton could wrap up the Formula 1 drivers’ championship this weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

With just four races left and 100 points available, the British driver is 59 points ahead of his nearest rival, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, going into the 17th grand prix of the season. If Hamilton scores 16 more points than Vettel he will secure his fourth career title and his first since 2015.

ESPN says that Hamilton can only win the title if he finishes first or second. For Hamilton to secure the championship, the permutations are:

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Will Lewis take a knee?

While the F1 title has been a major talking point ahead of the race in Austin, there have also been many rumours that Hamilton may show his support for the NFL players’ ‘take a knee’ protest against police brutality.

However, Hamilton told The Times he is only focused on winning the race. He said: “Winning here is the most important thing for me in the midst of all that is going on in the country.

“I am very much in support of it [the protest] but I am here to win and that is at the top of my priorities. I am not really focused on anything else.

“I have worked hard to be where I am today and, while I do have opinions and feelings towards the whole situation, at the moment I have no plans on doing anything.”

Vettel: make sure the fat lady shuts up

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel is refusing to give up on the championship, despite being 59 points behind Hamilton with four races left of the season.

In the paddock at the Circuit of the Americas, he told Reuters: “In English, they say it’s not over until the fat lady sings. We need to make sure she shuts up for quite a while.”

During a Q&A with Formula1.com, Vettel also said that Ferrari’s “massive potential” has still not been “unleashed”. He said: “There are still four races ahead of us – and we have a great car. There is still a massive potential that is not unleashed completely. This is up to us. There are many good ideas for the next races – and for the future. We want to make bigger steps.”

Alonso signs new deal at McLaren

Fernando Alonso’s immediate future in F1 has been confirmed after he signed a new deal to drive for McLaren next year.

The BBC says the Spaniard has reportedly signed a one-year contract with the option to extend it.

Alonso said: “It was always where my heart was telling me to stay. Although the last few years have not been easy, we have never forgotten how to win, and I believe we can achieve that again soon.

“McLaren has the technical resource and financial strength to be able to very quickly win races and world championships in F1. The last three years have given us the momentum to plan and build for the future, and I’m looking forward to that journey.”

Hartley to make F1 debut in the US

There will be a new face on the grid in Austin with Brendon Hartley set to make his Formula 1 debut for Toro Rosso.

The 27-year-old from New Zealand has been drafted in to replace Pierre Gasly, who is in Japan for the final race of the Super Formula series.

Hartley, who left Red Bull in 2010, told the BBC: “What an amazing feeling. This opportunity came as somewhat of a surprise, but I never did give up on my ambition and childhood dream to reach F1.

“I have grown and learnt so much since the days when I was the Red Bull and Toro Rosso reserve driver, and the tough years I went through made me stronger and even more determined.”

How to watch the US Grand Prix on TV

Sunday’s race starts at 8pm UK time and will be shown live on Sky Sports F1 and on Channel 4.