Formula One news

The drivers' title - all the possibilities

With the thrilling prospect of a three-way showdown for the drivers' title at Interlagos, there are a number of ways Hamilton, Alonso, and Raikkonen could each become champion. The details and all the possibilities are outlined here.

Hamilton travels to Interlagos with 107 points. Alonso is four points behind on a total of 103, with Raikkonen in third position with 100. 

How Alonso can become champion

Should Alonso win the race, he would need for Lewis to be on the bottom step of the podium or lower to take the title. If Alonso is in second position after the 71 laps, Hamilton would have to be in sixth position or lower. If Alonso takes third, he would need to Lewis to only secure one point and for Kimi not to win. If Alonso is fourth, Hamilton would have to not score any points, with Kimi also not on the top two steps of the podium. 

How Hamilton can become champion
Hamilton takes either of the top two steps on the Interlagos podium, no matter where Fernando and Kimi finish. If Alonso wins the race, Hamilton has to take second place behind his McLaren teammate. If Alonso comes second, Hamilton would need to take the chequered flag in fifth position. If Hamilton is in fifth position, he would need for Alonso to finish out of the top two. It does not matter where Raikkonen ends the race. If Hamilton finishes sixth or seventh, he would need for Alonso to finish out of the top two and for Raikkonen not to win. If Hamilton finishes in the final points paying position of eighth, the only way he can take the title is for Alonso to finish out of the top three and for Raikkonen to finish out of the top two. Should Hamilton retire from the race or score no points, then he would need for Alonso to finish in fifth or below and for Raikkonen to be in third or below.

How Raikkonen can become champion

Raikkonen would need to win the race, with Alonso and Hamilton finishing out of the top two and five respectively. If Raikkonen takes second position, then he would need Hamilton to only take one point and for Alonso to be out of the top three.

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