Lewis Hamilton can secure a fourth world championship this weekend in the United States, and although the Briton himself is talking down such prospects, there's no ignoring the possibility that might happen, especially given what's happened in the previous three races.
Here, we take a look at how the Mercedes driver can join the likes of Sebastian Vettel – the man he's hoping to beat to the crown this year – and Alain Prost, both of which have four titles apiece, sitting one behind Juan Manuel Fangio and three behind the great Michael Schumacher.
Should Hamilton win the race this weekend, and let us not forget he's a bit of an Austin specialist having won here four times in five races – Vettel is the only other victor – then he would need Vettel to finish sixth or lower to secure the crown, thanks to Hamilton's huge 59-point lead heading into the race.
If Hamilton were to finish second, let us not forget how quick the Red Bull's have been recently, whilst Valtteri Bottas also remains a threat, then Hamilton would need Vettel to finish ninth or lower to take the crown…but Bottas must also finish behind Hamilton as if the Finn were to win, the title would go to the next race in Mexico.
Mercedes meanwhile, with their 145-point lead in the Constructors' Standings, can also clinch their respective crown if Ferrari don't outscore them by 17 points – which essentially means if Ferrari secure a 1-2, Mercedes must finish third and fourth.
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