The 29-year-old Briton leads his Mercedes team-mate and one-time teenage friend German Nico Rosberg by 17 points, a situation that is certain to deliver a Mercedes works team driver as the drivers' champion for the first time since 1955
But it is also one that leaves the final outcome open to a myriad of permutations.
In any normal year, Hamilton could take the title with a top six finish in his supreme Mercedes car, no matter what Rosberg manages to achieve.
In 2008, he won the title with a last corner overtake that delivered one of the sport's most dramatic finales after falling down the order when a rainstorm hit the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Rain is unlikely, if not improbable, on Sunday, but any kind of mechanical failure, that might stop or hamper the progress of either man, and therefore decide the outcome of a roller-coaster title race that has been tense and sometimes acrimonious, would be a nightmare too for the Mercedes team who are horrified by that prospect.
"We want the championship to end in a straight and fair battle and not by one of them breaking down. We need to provide him with the most reliable car."
On recent form, Hamilton goes into Sunday's 55-lap race as favourite after winning five of the last six races, a run that was halted by Rosberg's retaliation in Brazil where he triumphed for the first time in eight races since the German Grand Prix in July.
That victory increased Rosberg's total to five for the season compared to Hamilton's 10.
You’ve reached your limit of 10 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹810
1 Year
₹67/Month
Super Saver
₹1,170
2 Years
₹48/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app