Providing the Brit scores more than eight points than Sebastian Vettel this weekend in Austin, then he will be assured of retaining his world crown and matching the great Juan Manuel Fangio.
Talking Points
All the talk is about whether Hamilton can do it in Austin, a track he loves. If not, it then it will be in Mexico City in this double-header.
Hamilton and his Mercedes team have been in scintillating form while Vettel's collapse has been almost as spectacular.
Aside from discussing Hamilton's championship, Ferrari's implosion will again come under the spotlight in Texas.
Further back too, there is the fascinating, if under the radar, battle between Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen, Fernando Alonso, Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Ocon, who are all separated by just four points.
Form Guide
Hamilton has dominated at the Circuit of the Americas with five wins in his last six races there
In fact, he is the most successful F1 driver of all time racing in the States with six victories.
Vettel on the other hand, has won at COTA on one occasion, and that was back in 2013 in his all-conquering Red Bull.
Anything Else?
The race is always a favourite with fans and celebrities.
This year the track organisers have enlisted the help of singers Bruno Mars and Britney Spears, who will be performing on Saturday and Sunday.
Track Stat
Hamilton has only lost once on US soil, and that was when Vettel was victorious in 2013.
He said what?
Despite having a commanding 67-point lead over Vettel, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is conscious not to get over excited by thoughts of a championship victory in Austin.
He said: "With six race victories in the last seven races, Lewis has shown what a class act he is.
"Both on and off the track he is more complete than ever before, showing commanding performance in the car and challenging the entire team to perform to higher levels at the same time.
"But the battle is far from over, so we approach Austin the same way as every other race: take it one step at a time, focus on our job and make sure we bring performance and reliability to the track.
"The Circuit of the Americas has been a good track for us ever since it was introduced in the F1 calendar, but past results have no impact on the current championship.
"Everyone in the team knows that we cannot take anything for granted, so we will be as diligent as ever, keep our heads down and work hard to get a good result in Texas.
"This championship fight has been exhilarating and we can't wait for the next chapter in the epic battle of silver and red.
"Ferrari have a strong car and they will keep on pushing until the very last corner in Abu Dhabi.
"They have been worthy opponents in the past 17 races and we have no reason to believe that this will change in the next four; just like us, they will fight fiercely for every point and position."
Predicted Podium
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
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