Can Red Bull Spoil Alonso's Party in Formula One Climax?

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso remains eight points clear of Red Bull’s Mark Webber, requiring only a second place finish in the final race of the season to secure the Formula 1 drivers’ title.

Alonso has suggested he is “100%” confident about grabbing enough points in Abu Dhabi, stating: “I just need to finish second. It doesn’t matter who wins in Abu Dhabi if I finish second.”

The leader also remains fifteen points clear of Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix winner Sebastian Vettel, though his lead was cut by three points following a third place finish in Interlagos behind Vettel and his Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber.

If Webber wins the final race of the season, with Alonso finishing third, Alonso would become the youngest three-time champion in history with victory by a single point.

Alternatively, if Vettel grabs first place in Abu Dhabi, Alonso can finish as low as fourth and still clinch the drivers’ title even if Webber finishes second.

If Red Bull has opted to use tactics at Interlagos that emulated those used by Ferrari in Hockenheim, Alonso would require no less than a victory in the Middle East on the final day to ensure victory in the drivers’ championship.

In July, Felipe Massa appeared to heed coded messages from the pit wall and allow championship leader and Ferrari team-mate Alonso pass him and take victory in Germany. The conduct attracted a $100,000 fine and is becoming increasingly relevant given how tight the top of the table looks.

Red Bull have insisted they will continue to treat their drivers with equal respect whenever possible, proving this by allowing Vettel to grab victory at Interlagos - despite it being to the detriment of the team’s overall chances of boasting a drivers champion.

Nevertheless, if Red Bull find themselves in a position at Abu Dhabi whereby their two drivers lead the race, will they make tactical decisions to ensure one of their driver’s secures the drivers’ championship, or simply let them battle it out?

Is it possible for Alonso to be caught, or does the Spaniard have reason to remain “100%” confident in securing the title?

Could Britain’s Lewis Hamilton pull off a ‘miracle’ and still clinch the championship after leaving it mathematically possible going into the final race? Has Jenson Button’s year been a successful one or not with the McLaren-Mercedes driver 47 points off the leader?

Let us know your thoughts.