The Formula One world championship will be decided at the last race of the season in Brazil after leader Sebastian Vettel finished second in the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, and his title rival Alonso, aided by Ferrari giving his teammate Massa a deliberate five-place grid penalty, finished third. The race was won by Lewis Hamilton.
Felipe Massa, who had out-qualified Alonso for the first time, was deliberately given a five-place grid penalty by Ferrari. This promoted Alonso to seventh on the grid and, more importantly, allowed him to start on the clean side of the track, a definite advantage at the new racetrack in Texas.
Sebastian Vettel led for much of the race although he was tracked by Lewis Hamilton who, with 14 laps to go, was able to get past and subsequently claim victory.
For Alonso to win the drivers’ crown, he needs a victory in Brazil with Vettel finishing lower than fourth.
Second place for Alonso would mean he would only win the title in the event of Vettel not finishing in the top seven, while third spot for Alonso would require Vettel to finish lower than ninth.