stumble. "I know the team is working very hard to make sure we can bounce back in Brazil."

Both Hamilton and his bitter rival Alonso, who looks set to leave the team after Brazil, expect McLaren to give them equal cars and treatment. But there can be little doubt about who the team would rather see win their first title since 1999. McLaren boss Ron Dennis said last week: "We said we would prepare him better than any other rookie in history and I believe we did. But we need to emphasise one point. Lewis turned himself into the driver he is today. He did all the hard work. We just provided the support and the structure in which he could hone his skills."

History is actually on Alonso's side. The last time a Formula 1 world title went into a three-headed finale - in Adelaide in 1986 - the championship was led by Nigel Mansell. But

Hamilton doesn’t have to win at Sao Paulo to take the drivers’ title but it would be the simplest solution

Mansell's tire exploded, Nelson Piquet was forced into a pit-stop and Alain Prost, who was lying third in the table, grabbed the title.

WHAT HAMILTON NEEDS TO DO

Lewis Hamilton will win the drivers' title outright if he wins at Sao Paulo or comes second.

If Alonso wins, Hamilton needs to be second.

If Alonso comes second, Hamilton must come at least fourth.

If Alonso comes 3rd, 4th or 5th, Hamilton needs to finish 6th, 7th or 8th respectively.

If Kimi Raikkonen wins for Ferrari, then as long as Alonso comes third or below, Hamilton will only need to come fifth.

If there is a dead heat on points - which will occur if Alonso wins and Hamilton comes third - Alonso will take the title by virtue of more race wins - five to Hamilton's four.