Champion in 2008, but under what conditions?

We easily remember last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) was ahead of Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) by seven points in the drivers’ standings before facing the final race.

At the end of this rollercoaster race for Hamilton, Ferrari claimed both titles, thanks to Räikkönen’s victory.

The facts are identical this season, except that the challenger is no longer the Finn, but his teammate at Ferrari, Felipe Massa. The two rivals are separated by seven points arriving in Brazil, so everything remains possible for both.

In the current state of affairs, a 5th position for Lewis Hamilton this Sunday, if Massa wins the race, will be enough for him to win his first world title. This condition is undoubtedly the most important to remember, however, several hypotheses exist.

The Motors Inside editorial team comments on them for you:

For Lewis Hamilton to be Champion:

The Englishman has the highest probability of being the champion this season. Statistics are just numbers and proved their flaws last year on this same circuit.

The fact remains that the McLaren driver can become the youngest Formula 1 world champion if he manages to finish at least 5th on Sunday. This would earn McLaren their first driver’s title in 10 years.

Hamilton made mistakes last year. He admitted to the press that he has matured this season, but will that be enough?

Here are Hamilton’s chances for McLaren-Mercedes:

For Felipe Massa to be Champion:

The Brazilian is currently the challenger. But Massa will be at Interlagos as if at home, and will be eager to bring his fans a first Brazilian title since 1991. He will be aided by Ferrari, who had said they wanted to do everything to win both titles again this season.

The motivations will therefore be numerous for Felipe Massa on Sunday. He has a strong chance of winning the race; however, not everything will depend on him.

Indeed, if Hamilton secures a 5th position, it doesn’t matter if he finishes first or second. The title will go to Hamilton.

Here are Massa’s chances for Ferrari: