Lewis Hamilton stands on the brink of claiming a sixth Formula 1 title, with the Mercedes driver all but guaranteed to clinch honours in the United States this weekend.
Hamilton arrived in Mexico City 64-points clear of sole rival, Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, and needed to outscore the Finn by 14 points.
That outcome did not transpire but a victory for Hamilton, with Bottas third, meant the gap between the pair grew to 74 points.
With only visits to Brazil and Abu Dhabi remaining in 2019 it means Hamilton needs a 52-point advantage over Bottas after Austin in order to be assured of the championship.
The mathematics are fairly simple: if Bottas does not win the race then Hamilton is champion, no matter what.
If Bottas does win the race then Hamilton needs only a top eight finish to ensure his name will be engraved on the championship trophy for a fifth time in six years.
Hamilton has taken five victories from seven attempts at the Circuit of the Americas while Bottas has yet to finish higher than fifth at the venue.
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