Hamilton won't take 'silly risks' to seal title

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Lewis Hamilton will fight with all his typical might when racing resumes in Austin next week, but the championship leader won't take unnecessary risks to seal the 2017 title.

The Mercedes driver's 59-point advantage in the drivers' standings means he could wrap up the championship next weekend if he wins the US GP and rival Sebastian Vettel finishes sixth or lower.

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"I feel like I have a perfect balance on race weekends," Hamilton said.

"I guess my experience allows me to know when I have to push and when I have to hold back a little bit, and as you saw in Malaysia that’s what I do.

"I arrive at every race to win and I absolutely am not going to take silly risks. I’m sure you know I’m not one to take silly risks because I’m not often penalised for doing such things.

"I think it’s going to be fine."

Hamilton actually clinched his last world championship title - his third - in Austin in 2015, when he defeated team mate Mercedes Nico Rosberg with three races remaining on the F1 schedule.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.