Hamilton poised to join pantheon of F1 immortals

MEXICO CITY - Britain's Lewis Hamilton has no intention of easing up this weekend, even though he only needs a top-five finish in the Mexican Grand Prix to clinch his fourth world title and a place among the greatest drivers in Formula One history.

The arguments over his status have grown in volume in recent months, but they reached a new crescendo this week in the days following his ninth win of the season at last weekend's US Grand Prix in Texas.

Hamilton's Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff declared him to be on course to become "the best driver that has ever existed", while veteran Brazilian Felipe Massa, who missed out on the 2008 title after Hamilton stole it from him with a passing move at the final corner of the decisive Brazilian Grand Prix, said that he ranks him alongside Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.