How Ferrari have imploded in the space of three races - now Lewis Hamilton can win the title in Texas

After winning the Italian Grand Prix on September 4, Lewis Hamilton took the outright lead of the drivers’ championship for the first time this season, jumping three points clear of Sebastian Vettel.

Formula One was salivating at the prospect of its closest finish in years. But things have unravelled quickly for Ferrari...

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1. Singapore Sept 17 - Vettel qualifies on pole with Hamilton only fifth and clearly struggling for pace in his Mercedes. But Ferrari gift-wrap a victory for the Briton by taking not only each other but Red Bull’s Max Verstappen out before turn one. Hamilton’s lead increases to 28pts.

2. Malaysia Oct 1 - With Mercedes still struggling in the heat, Ferrari have an open goal. However, an air-intake issue rules Vettel out of qualifying. The same issue then sees Kimi Raikkonen retire pre-race. Vettel comes from the back to finish fourth but Hamilton’s second place extends his advantage to 34pts.

3. Japan Oct 8 - More engine woes for Vettel as a ‘freak’ spark plug issue crops up as he makes his way to the grid pre-race. Ferrari’s mechanics buzz about trying to fix the problem, but Vettel has to retire after going backwards for four laps. Hamilton wins to push his lead out to 59pts.

Permutations for the United States GP

How Hamilton could win his fourth world title in Austin...

1. If Hamilton wins, Vettel has to finish in the top 5 to keep the title battle alive.

2. If Hamilton is second, Vettel needs to finish 8th or above to keep the title battle alive.

3. If Hamilton is third or lower the title battle continues to Mexico.