Formula One current world champion Jenson Button has given up and now the race for the F1 title in Abu Dhabi will be fought between Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, Red Bull's Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton.
After the Brazilian Grand Prix, the sport stands in an exceptional four-way battle set for an exciting high point. Also, it is the fourth time in five seasons that the champion will be decided only after the final race.
The contenders are neck-to-neck before the Abu Dhabi decider:
* Fernando Alonso on 246 points
* Mark Webber on 238 points
* Sebastian Vettel on 231 points
* Lewis Hamilton on 222 points
It seems like the Red Bulls and Ferraris are quicker than us in the dry, which means they probably have a bit more downforce. But if it is wet that will make it much more of a lottery - Lewis Hamilton
Now that the constructors' title has been snapped by Red Bull in Brazil, calculators are out big time as Yas Marina prepares for the drivers' championship battle.
Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso leads nearest rival Webber by eight points. The two-time world champion can afford to finish fourth if Vettel wins but will have to come second if Mark finishes first on Sunday. (Why take chances? Just finish second at Abu Dhabi and take the driver's crown, easy). The former Renault and McLaren man will become the youngest triple champion in Formula One history, if he wins this year's title. Well, he will leave no stone unturned to achieve that.
Red Bull's Mark Webber, second in the championship race, cannot afford to expect any kind of help form his team-mate Sebastian in Abu Dhabi. The Australian — the closest threat to Alonso — has had an amazing year so far with four wins and ten podiums. Webber, eight adrift of Fernando, not only needs to finish first on Sunday but will also want Vettel or Lewis to finish second. While Alonso can count on Massa for full support, Webber may not receive the same from Vettel.
Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull kept his title hopes alive with a dominant win at Interlagos. The young German will have to reproduce his Brazilian heroics in Abu Dhabi and hope Alonso finishes fifth for the world title. With four one-twos already this season, the Red Bull can hope for another one but will require all-out help from McLaren to pip Ferrari. Team boss Christian Horner will be happy with either of their drivers winning but Vettel, known for his aggression, has odds in his favour, and perhaps, the team's backing.
Briton Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton — fourth in the championship race — is still in the scheme of things. Hamilton goes into the Sunday's race with nothing but victory in mind and also hoping that rivals Alonso, Vettel and Webber will fail to score a point. Lewis is not ready to throw in the towel but will require a miracle to become world champion for the second time in his career. With the season filled with engine troubles and driver's errors, Lewis may not be chasing an impossible dream!
The F1 world championship title is up for grabs and team orders will play a crucial role at Yas Marina Circuit on November 14. Alonso, Webber, Vettel or Hamilton — one of them is destined for a place in history. I place my bets on Alonso, who do you think will be crowned 2010 Formula One champion?