Lewis Hamilton’s title chance has four elements at Abu Dhabi

The car

Part of the car failing and not allowing him to finish is something to be nervous about as Mercedes-GP, despite their strong speed, have struggled with unreliability this season.

Hamilton has already had two retirements because of mechanical problems, while issues in qualifying in Germany and Hungary have forced him to start at the back of the grid. The Briton has not had a mechanical problem for 10 races, but that will not make him any less concerned.

Williams

Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa showed the sort of strong pace in qualifying that signifies they are a threat in third and fourth on the grid. The British team have utilised their Mercedes engine superbly and, if Hamilton makes a slow start and falls behind Bottas or Massa, he may find it tough to overtake.

The Williams pair were first and second quickest through the speed trap, which measures a car’s top speed, with Bottas registered at 341.8kph, while Hamilton was sixth on 332.8kph.

Rosberg

Hamilton’s title rival Nico Rosberg has options to make the Briton’s life tough today, starting ahead of him on the grid.

There is the potential for a collision, as the pair have come together before, in Belgium in August, while tussling for the lead. Hamilton came off worst in that incident, failing to finish as Rosberg grabbed second. A repeat of that today and the German would be champion.

Contact, if it happened, would be a huge risk to Rosberg too, though, as he must finish and be in the top five to have any chance of overhauling his teammate.

Safety car

A safety car period today, at the wrong time, has the potential to hinder Hamilton’s race.

A full track caution, if there is an incident, will bunch up the pack and could lead to a variety of pit strategies.

If Hamilton is running behind Rosberg and a safety car comes out during a time when it is viable to pit, he will not have first call to stop.

Mercedes have always favoured the driver with track advantage, meaning Hamilton could lose time and track position potentially as Rosberg gets to stop first.

Fernando Alonso lost the 2010 title at Yas Marina Circuit largely because of a safety car period shaking up the order, so Hamilton will be aware of the danger.

gcaygill@thenational.ae

Lewis Hamilton’s title chance has four elements at Abu Dhabi

Starting second, Lewis Hamilton only needs to finish there to claim his second title. But it is not that straightforward, however, writes Graham Caygill.