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Hamilton can become Formula One's youngest champion

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-19 08:33

SHANGHAI - McLaren's Lewis Hamilton could become Formula One's youngest world champion, and Britain's first since Damon Hill in 1996, at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.

McLaren Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain gestures after he finished first during the qualifying session for Sunday's Chinese F1 Grand Prix at the Shanghai Circuit October 18, 2008. [Agencies]

The 23-year-old, who starts from pole position, will take the crown in just his second season in the sport if he scores six more points than Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who will be third on the grid for the penultimate race of the year.

BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica is also in the running but, trailing Hamilton by 12 points, his already slim hopes looked even less likely after he qualified 11th.

Massa, 27, is also chasing his first world title and will be aiming to close the gap on Hamilton before the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix at his home track, Interlagos.

Hamilton has come under heavy fire from some of his rivals after his clumsy attempt to retake the lead from Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen following a poor start at last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

The Finnish world champion will be alongside Hamilton in the front row again on Sunday.