No matter where championship rivals Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen finish, Lewis Hamilton does not even need to win the Brazilian grand prix next weekend to wrap up the 2007 title.
Although stranding his McLaren in Shanghai's pit entry gravel trap dented his championship hopes last Sunday, the 22-year-old rookie only needs to finish second at Interlagos to become the youngest ever driver - and the first rookie - to wear the crown.
And if his teammate Alonso does not win the race in Brazil, he can afford to finish third or fourth and still be champion.
Hamilton will also win the title if:
- He finishes sixth or seventh, Alonso is not in the top two and Raikkonen does not win.
- He fails to score points, Alonso finishes no higher than fifth, and Raikkonen does not win or come second.
Alonso will be champion if:
- He finishes second and Hamilton is sixth or lower.
- He is fourth, Hamilton does not score points and Raikkonen does not either win or finish second.
Raikkonen will be champion if:
- He finishes second, Hamilton is eighth or lower, and Alonso is not on the podium.