What Must Be Done

Lewis Hamilton heads into Brazil this weekend on the cusp of his first world championship. The McLaren driver has a seven point lead over Massa, with a maximum of ten points on offer at Interlargos. Either way, we will have a first time world champion come Sunday evening. So, what do the championship contenders need to do to secure the title?

Hamilton will be champion if:

• He finishes in fifth position or higher.

• He finishes in sixth position and Massa finishes second or lower.

• He finishes in seventh position and Massa finishes second or lower.

• He finishes in eighth position and Massa finishes third or lower.

• He finishes outside of the points and Massa finishes third or lower.
  
  

Massa will be champion if:

• He wins the race and Hamilton finishes sixth or lower.

• He finishes in second position and Hamilton finishes eight or lower.
  
  

If both drivers are deadlocked in points:

• Massa will be champion on a count back. Currently both drivers are tied with five wins and two second places. To be in with a chance of winning the championship, Massa must either place first or second. Hence, if Massa satisfy one of the title winning conditions, he would beat Hamilton on the count back.
  
  

It is a tall order for the Brazilian, but if last year’s finale is anything to go by, the race for the title is anything but over.