Hamilton hoping for Texas hold 'em

World championship leader Lewis Hamilton will bid to divert attention from Formula One's looming financial crisis by seeking his fifth consecutive race win at this weekend's US Grand Prix.

The 29-year-old Briton leads Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg of Germany by 17 points with three races remaining, and 100 points available, as he sets himself up to claim his 10th win of the season at the Circuit of the Americas.

After a tense, close and often acrimonious struggle with Rosberg, Hamilton knows he cannot relax, notably because next month's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is worth double points.