Hamilton: Title hard-earned despite Vettel troubles

Title favourite Lewis Hamilton has insisted he will be a worthy champion despite Sebastian Vettel’s recent implosion clearing the road to glory.

Hamilton, 32, stands on the verge of becoming one of only five drivers to own more than three world championships after establishing a 59-point lead over Vettel with just 100 to play for.

The Englishman will be given his first shot at glory here in Austin at the United States Grand Prix tomorrow as he prepares to join Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost and Vettel in the pantheon of the sport’s all-time greats. Schumacher won seven titles, Fangio five and Prost and Vettel both have four to their name.

Hamilton will seal his fourth crown if he outscores Vettel by 16 points at the Circuit of the Americas. The equation is simple: a victory will be enough for Hamilton if the Ferrari man fails to finish in the top five.

The title race looked set to go to the wire, but Vettel’s failure to finish two of the three grands prix staged in the Far East has left Hamilton with one hand on the title.

“If I was to win this championship, I think I would say that I’ve earned it,” Hamilton, who has won four of the five grands prix staged in Austin, said. “He (Vettel) has been a strong fighter all year and, even though he has obviously had a few technical issues, their car is as good as it has always been.

“They’ve definitely had a couple of hiccups, but I anticipate they’ll be very strong this weekend and for the last four races – so that’s why nothing changes for me. I’ve still got to continue to keep the pressure on and there’s no reason to back out. I have just got to keep pushing forwards.”

The smart money suggests that Hamilton will win his fourth title in Mexico a week tomorrow. He said. “I don’t mind if it happens in Mexico. I don’t mind if it happens here.

“I don’t mind if it happens at the last race in Abu Dhabi, as long as it happens.”