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Where does Hamilton need to finish to clinch the title in Austin?

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes' advantage in their respective championships is such that both driver and team can clinch the title this weekend in Austin.

But what outcome must prevail for everyone to bring out the champagne?

Drivers' title

-With a 59-point lead, Hamilton will be crowned world champion if he wins on Sunday and runner-up Sebastian Vettel finishes sixth or lower.

-If Hamilton comes in second, he'll need Vettel to do no better than ninth and Bottas to finish outside of the top ten to clinch it.

-In event of a third-place finish, the fight moves on to Mexico City, regardless of Vettel and Bottas' result on Sunday.

Constructors' title

Mercedes currently enjoys a 145-point lead over the Scuderia. The German manufacturer would win its fourth title in succession if it leaves Austin with at least a 129-point lead.

Ferrari therefore needs to score 17 points more than Mercedes on Sunday, but if Hamilton or Bottas wins, the Silver Arrows squad will head to Mexico as world champions.

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Michael Delaney

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