Hamilton needs Korean Grand Prix win to keep season alive

Lewis Hamilton knows he needs a big performance in the Korean Grand Prix if he is to keep alive his chances of finishing second in the Formula One drivers’ championship this season.

Hamilton was once again left frustrated following the recent Japanese Grand Prix, as troubles during qualifying and then a minor accident during the race with Felipe Massa both contributed to him finishing fifth at Suzuka.

He is now 32 points behind McLaren teammate Jenson Button in the race to finish second overall behind Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ championship and another failure at Yeongam would virtually end his hopes.

It is currently 10/1 in the Formula One odds that Hamilton finishes runner-up in the drivers’ title race and therefore he is relying on a big performance in South Korea.

There is little previous form to go on for the race as the Korean Grand Prix was added to the Formula One calendar for the first time last season.

And with the track still being worn in and countless rain delays and safety car periods impacting the race, it was hard to tell which cars would best suit the layout.

The fact that Hamilton eventually finished second will offer some confidence, as will the fact that he has already triumphed in China and Germany this season, which shows his car has the speed to compete with the Red Bull of Vettel.

Hamilton is 10/3 to win the Korean Grand Prix and the 25 points on offer for a race victory would see him not only bridge the gap on Button, but also potentially keep alive McLaren’s slim hopes of winning the constructors’ championship.

Unsurprisingly, Vettel is the favourite to win the Korean Grand Prix at 11/8, with Button next best at 3/1.