Lewis Hamilton must carry on momentum for USA Grand Prix

The USA are to hold their third consecutive Grand Prix and, understandably, it is two-time winner on this track Lewis Hamilton who goes into this circuit as the odds-on 8/13 favourite.

Britain’s best driver currently leads the way in Formula 1’s Drivers’ Championship by 17 points, overtaking teammate Nico Rosberg after winning each of the last four races. With just three GPs of the season to go, Hamilton will hope to gain as much ground as possible before the final showdown in Abu Dhabi, where double points are available.

Hamilton, heavily odds-on at 1/5 to win the title, may have some competition from the improving Sebastian Vettel, though, who is defending champion here. The German has made the podium in two of the last three races this season, and is an enticing 8/1 chance to do so again.

Vettel is a massive 66/1 to finish first, but may face the prospect of having to start from the pit lane, if he is to use a sixth engine. If that is the case, he may sit out of qualifying.

“It’s to be seen, we need to confirm, but yes we have to get an extra engine at some stage this year and it’s very, very likely for this weekend,” he said.

“Obviously we had quite a bad first half of the season in terms of reliability, a lot of things happening, which put us in that position.

“Practice we’ll definitely run and try to maximise the track time but more focus towards probably to the race because qualifying for us is maybe not that important if it comes to down to a Sunday where we start from the pit lane due to the regulations.”

Vettel’s compatriot, Rosberg, will once again provide the toughest challenge to Hamilton. He has been totally outpaced by the Englishman the last few races, but will be ready to pounce on any error made as he looks to win his first championship title (7/2 second-favourite).

Rosberg has not won a race in the last six, but has been runner-up on four of those occasions. He is 5/2 to finally get his fifth victory of the season, and odds-on at 1/6 to finish in the top three. You can back the German at a more tempting 15/8 to be the fastest qualifier.