SIX-SHOOTER LEWIS ON SCHUEY’S TRAIL

LEWIS HAMILTON has set his sights on clinching an astonishing sixth world championship in trademark style tonight.

The Brit, 34, needs to finish only eighth in the US Grand Prix to be certain of the title that will move him ahead of Juan Manuel Fangio and within one of Michael Schumacher’s record haul of seven crowns.

Mercedes team-mate Valtteri

Bottas must win in Austin to stand any chance of taking the title fight on to the penultimate round in Brazil.

Hamilton’s parents have flown in from Stevenage to watch their son’s inevitable coronation, including father Anthony, the driving force behind Lewis’s career – their relationship now patched-up after a turbulent period.

And Hamilton, who has won on five of his previous seven visits to Austin, Texas, admitted: “I’m looking forward to it – I love this track in general and the car has felt fairly decent.”

It’s been another almost flawless performance from the Mercedes man after winning six of the opening eight rounds this year.

His imminent triumph will see him compared to Schumacher (above).

He is currently eight wins adrift of the German’s race tally and if he doesn’t seal the title this weekend then he will get another chance in Brazil in a fortnight before the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi next month.

And Hamilton, whose current £40million-a-year deal expires at the end of next season, is already targeting Schumacher’s records.

“I don’t think I have hit my peak yet,” said Hamilton in the build-up to this race. “That is comforting. I plan to continue to get stronger.

“I never thought I would have five titles. I am continuing to create dreams that I didn’t think I would ever have. If I am able to get the sixth one it will be unreal.

“But I am going to be racing for more years and I want to win every year. Believe me, I will be pushing more than ever in the following seasons.”

IN SIGHT Hamilton is on the verge of title