Lewis Hamilton in shape to dominate again in Texas

US Grand Prix practice
Channel 4 & Sky Sports F1 from 4pm Friday

There's something about the United States that always seems to bring out the best in Lewis Hamilton, and the Briton’s love affair with America will hit new heights if he seals his fifth world championship in Texas this weekend.

If Hamilton wins Sunday's race then Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel would have to finish second to retain even a mathematical chance of taking the title.

The German has not finished in the top two in any of the last four races.

And with Hamilton having headed home Mercedes one-two finishes at the last two races, the chances must be good that he gets the job done this weekend.

Hamilton has won five of the six races held at the Circuit of the Americas, including the last four years, and has also won six of the last seven races this season.

Ferrari’s form has tailed off dramatically in the last three events and it would be a surprise if they can bounce back this week.

Despite Vettel going fastest on the Friday morning in Russia, it was clear by the afternoon that they were in trouble.

Indeed, on recent form, Red Bull may fancy their chances of being the main challengers to Mercedes.

Hamilton went fastest in every practice session, took pole position and won the race in Japan last time and he could be equally dominant in Austin.

He topped the opening practice session there last year by six-tenths of a second and at the prices he looks well worth a bet.

The weather looks set to be pretty grim throughout the weekend, and wet practice sessions tend to throw up odd results, such as Sergio Perez topping first practice in Italy last month.

But any rain is expected to be light so there has to be a good chance the teams will get at least some dry running during the session.

Recommendation
L Hamilton fastest in P1
2pts 15-8 Hills

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