Vettel penalty boosts Hamilton’s chances

Editor

Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of wrapping up his third title in Austin have been boosted by news that Sebastian Vettel is to take a 10-place grid penalty.

The Mercedes driver is on the cusp of greatness as he closes in on a third Drivers’ Championship title.

All he needs to do is outscore Vettel by nine points and Nico Rosberg by two and he will retain the crown.

Should Hamilton win Sunday’s United States GP, Vettel would have to finish second to carry the fight on to Mexico.

However, a 10-place grid penalty is set to derail Vettel’s charge.

News broke on Thursday that the Ferrari driver will take a 10-place grid drop on Sunday as he needs to use a fifth engine.

Bad news for Vettel, great news for Hamilton.