Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher. Until now, the pair are the only drivers to have won five drivers’ world championships in Formula 1 history.
Fangio won his fifth crown in 1957 for Maserati at the age of 46, a record that wasn’t matched for 45 years.
The man to match it – and later surpass his tally – was Schumacher, who sealed his fifth championship in 2002 at 33, clinching it with six rounds still to complete.
On Sunday, that could all change. Lewis Hamilton is on the verge of joining that elusive club of five-time world champions at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Over the course of this season, Hamilton overturned an eight-point deficit at the German Grand Prix to build a commanding lead of 70 points with three rounds remaining.
Nine wins, including four in the last five races, and nine poles have left him within touching distance of sealing the 2018 title at the same age as Schumacher won his 16 years ago.
Standing in his way is Sebastian Vettel. The German, who led the standings at various points in the first half of the year, has a mountain to climb to prevent Hamilton becoming champion again.
Here’s the permutations as to what needs to happen in order for the Briton to be crowned the F1 world champion for 2018.
- Sebastian Vettel must win in Mexico to take the championship fight to Brazil in two weeks time
- If Hamilton finishes seventh or higher he will win the title no matter where Vettel finishes
