THE RACE IS ON!

Let’s look at the numbers first. Seven points separate the three contenders – Lewis Hamilton (107), Fernando Alonso (103) and Kimi Raikkonen (100) – with a maximum of 10 points at stake at the 17th and year-ending Formula One race at Interlagos in Brazil on Sunday.

There may be only three contenders in the race for the title, but the combinations and permutations are so many that the drivers may be well served if a tiny calculator can somehow be accommodated in the lavishly equipped gizmos, if not a button for hindsight.

Bitter foes can end up doing the biggest of favours, or the best of friends may dash the grandest of dreams by winning or losing a mere point. Formula One could not have got any better, or bitter, if you tried.

Come to think of it, a fast red Ferrari may be a blessing in disguise for McLaren’s champion-in-waiting Hamilton because it will narrow down Alonso’s chances of winning the title as just four points separate the two. On the other hand, the same Ferraris may hinder Hamilton’s hopes if they separate the McLaren drivers in a tight finish.

Alonso will not only have to win

the race but also ensure that Hamilton does not finish right behind him as in such a scenario the defending champion will finish on 113 points (103 + 10) and make the way for Hamilton’s coronation (115 points; 107 + 8).

The best scenario for Hamilton is to finish second as that will eliminate both Raikkonen and Alonso irrespective of who wins the race. Hamilton can also clinch the title by finishing fifth (107+4=111), which is worth four points, in case Raikkonen (100+10+110) goes on to win the race.

If there is one person who can make this all simple, and even mundane, it is Hamilton himself. All that he has to do is win the race and