Stefano Domenicali: Ferrari must focus on itself in Brazil

Red Bull driver Vettel goes into this weekend's finale with a 13-point advantage over Fernando Alonso after they finished second and third in the United States Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Spaniard would be champion if he wins the race and Vettel finishes outside the top four, if he is second and Vettel is outside the top seven, or if Alonso is third and Vettel finishes 10th or lower.

Domenicali admits Ferrari knows it will be hard to beat the German to the title, but he is aware that anything is possible.

"Pragmatically speaking we know that the result has to be better. We have to be in front of Sebastian and we need some drivers in the middle, without thinking of the worst-case scenario," said Domenicali.

"And this is the approach that we have to have. We know that it's not easy because he's driving very well and he has a very quick car. But that doesn't change what we have to do. We have to focus on our job and see what's the outcome of the race.

"We have seen that Mark [Webber] had a reliability issue and that can happen every time. But I want to stay concentrated on the job we have to do, and prepare the car in the best way we can."

The team boss conceded Ferrari will have to raise its game in qualifying for the finale and avoid a repeat of the poor showing at Austin, where Alonso was only ninth quickest.

"We always say it, but we need to improve our qualifying pace," he said. "We had one of the worst qualifyings in our championship and we need to make sure that will not happen in Brazil."

CHAMPIONSHIP PERMUTATIONS

VETTEL WINS THE TITLE IF:

- He finishes in the top four
- He finishes fifth, sixth or seventh and Alonso doesn't win
- He finishes eighth or ninth and Alonso is third or lower
- He finishes 10th or worse and Alonso isn't on the podium

ALONSO WINS THE TITLE IF:

- He wins and Vettel is fifth or lower
- He is second and Vettel eighth or lower
- He is third and Vettel is 10th or lower