Then the pendulum of fortune began to swing dramatically against him in Singapore and Malaysia, and another disastrous weekend for the Ferrari driver in Japan further tipped the balance in the favour of his rival.

Indeed, Hamilton can now win the title in Austin, with three races still to run.

Once again at Suzuka, we had the prospect of a superb six-car battle at the front of the field as Red Bull showed impressive pace and joined the mix with the two title protagonists. And once again, it all fell apart.