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The two recurring issues that hampered Verstappen and Red Bull again at the US GP

Formula 1
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United States GP
The two recurring issues that hampered Verstappen and Red Bull again at the US GP

Alonso criticises quality of F1 backmarkers after Albon clash at United States GP

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United States GP
Alonso criticises quality of F1 backmarkers after Albon clash at United States GP

Russell scrambling for answers after "not being quick enough" at US GP

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Formula 1
United States GP
Russell scrambling for answers after "not being quick enough" at US GP

A strategic masterclass: How Antonelli put himself on the cusp of F1 title at the US GP

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United States GP
A strategic masterclass: How Antonelli put himself on the cusp of F1 title at the US GP

The maths behind Antonelli becoming F1 world champion at Mexico GP

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United States GP
The maths behind Antonelli becoming F1 world champion at Mexico GP

F1 United States GP: Antonelli dominates from pole - but forced to wait for title

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Formula 1
United States GP
F1 United States GP: Antonelli dominates from pole - but forced to wait for title

Pryce pips McRae in final stage showdown to win British Rally Championship

Other rally
Other rally
Pryce pips McRae in final stage showdown to win British Rally Championship

F1 United States GP live commentary and updates - Antonelli wins at COTA

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United States GP
F1 United States GP live commentary and updates - Antonelli wins at COTA

Alonso fears early end to title battle

Fernando Alonso predicts an early finish to the championship battle if Jenson Button continues with the form he has shown in the early part of the season

The Brawn driver has won five out of six races and has scored 51 points out of a possible 55 as his team has proved the dominant force in all types of tracks.

Button is currently 16 points in front of team-mate Rubens Barrichello, with Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel already a massive 28 behind.

Renault driver Alonso believes Button is likely to clinch the title in around six races' time.

"There is a possibility that if Jenson continues winning, the championship will be mathematically over after 12 or 13 races," Alonso told reporters in Turkey. "And for us much earlier than that, unfortunately.

"I think it's good for him, obviously, but it's a shame, because it has been very nice to see the last two championships decided in the last race. That was quite good for the sport and the spectators, as people love this type of fighting.

"This year, I'm not saying is boring, but you know... In the end, the best wins, and Jenson has been by far the best in the first part of the season and if he continues at this level he will be champion very soon."

Alonso admitted he has seen no weaknesses in Brawn's car to suggest the team will stop winning.

"It is the best car, there is no doubt. It's very good aerodynamically, it's very good mechanically, with good grip, because they can really attack the kerbs. They have a very strong car, they have finished all the races with both cars.

"They have very good starts, so there's no weak point at the moment. It's very difficult to beat them because it's difficult to find that weak point. They are the best in every area so that's quite impressive."

The Spaniard, who has scored just 11 points so far this year, admitted he is still adapting to the situation of being unable to fight at the top.

However, he played down some comments appearing in the Spanish media about his frustration.

"I think those comments were not very well translated," he added. "But I think it's not easy to be in the midfield after six races after being fighting on top for three years in a year, 2005, 2006 and 2007. I was able to win races and fight for the championship.

"And then last year, and these first six races, I have been more or less in the midfield and fighting hard to have just one or two points. So it's a different feeling, but I need to get used to this, keep working hard, and hopefully change the situation as soon as possible."

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