Can Lewis Hamilton win the world title this weekend?
No. With a lead of 24 points over Nico Rosberg and with 25 points for a win, he could have clinched the championship on Sunday under the old rules but with double points for the last race in Abu Dhabi on 23 November, that is now impossible.
When did double points come in?
It was announced before the start of the season and is the brainwave of the chief executive, Bernie Ecclestone, who was worried by the way Sebastian Vettel, driving for Red Bull, ran away with the title last year. He wanted the championship kept alive until the end of the season. Abu Dhabi has shelled out a lot of dirhams for the privilege of staging the final race.
Does that mean Rosberg can still claim the title even if he crashes out in Brazil and Hamilton wins?
Yes. Hamilton could go to Abu Dhabi with a lead of 49 points but if he fails to score there and Rosberg wins then the German becomes world champion.
So Hamilton, with 11 wins, could be beaten by Rosberg, with five?
Correct. The new rule has made the sport look a laughing stock and thankfully won’t be used again.
How they stand
1, L Hamilton, Mercedes, 316
2, N Rosberg, Mercedes, 292
3, D Ricciardo, Red Bull, 214
4, V Bottas, Williams, 155
5, S Vettel, Red Bull, 149
