Hamilton knows the score, so does Massa, but the constructors’ fight between McLaren and Ferrari is an altogether more complicated equation. Forumula1.com’s Onelapdown does the maths…
As it stands following the Chinese Grand Prix, the Drivers’ Championship looks like this:
1. Hamilton, 94 points, 5 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds
2. Massa, 87 points, 5 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third
IF MASSA WINS: Hamilton must finish in 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th
IF MASSA FINISHES SECOND: Hamilton must finish 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th
IF MASSA FINISHES THIRD OR WORSE: Hamilton does not need to score points.
Hamilton cannot win the title if his points are level with Massa’s, since he would trail Massa in terms of the total number of wins or second places.
The Constructors’ Championship is a more complicated affair.
1. Ferrari, 156 points, 7 wins, 4 seconds, 6 thirds
2. McLaren, 145 points, 6 wins, 3 seconds, 4 thirds
Again level points hand the title to Ferrari on wins, second places or thirds, so McLaren need to score at least 12 points more than Ferrari, meaning both Mclaren must finish, with the following car in 7th or better, to have any chance.
IF McLAREN FINISH 1-2: Both Ferraris must finish 3rd & 8+ or 4th & 7+ or 5th & 6th
IF McLAREN FINISH 1-3: One Ferrari must finish 2nd or 4th, otherwise both cars 5th & 8+ or 6th & 7th
IF McLAREN FINISH 1-4: One Ferrari must finish 5th or higher, otherwise both cars 6th & 8+
IF McLAREN FINISH 2-3: One Ferrari must finish 6th or higher, otherwise both cars 7th & 8th
It’s interesting that if McLaren do get a 1-2 Ferrari will need both cars to score even if their lead car finishes third, so McLaren are certainly not out of it yet…
Source: Forumula1.com Forum
