Lewis Hams it up by sticking obscene message on his McLaren helmet... again

Lewis Hamilton in Austin, Texas

If anyone could upstage Formula One's return to the United States amid a potential championship decider with one crass act it was Lewis Hamilton in practice. He emblazoned his helmet with the initials H.A.M. - short for hard as a m*****f*****.

Vettel and Alonso go down to the wire as F1 circus rolls into America

A little less conversation: Alonso (left) and Vettel will resume rivalries on Sunday

To paraphrase Mr Blair, it is not only the hand of history that Sebastian Vettel feels on his shoulder this weekend, but the rucksack that completes the gap-year student look.

Vettel lays down marker ahead of US Grand Prix with fastest lap in practice

Fastest: Vettel has laid down a marker for Sunday's Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel issued an early warning to Fernando Alonso that he is not prepared for their title fight to go down to the wire.

F1 is back on the menu as stars head to Austin, but will America bite?

American Grand Prix

America has traditionally preferred the belching, muscular saloons of Nascar to Formula One which returns to the United States for the first time since 2007 this weekend.

US Grand Prix: All you need to know about Formula One's first Austin visit

Debut: The Circuit of the Americas will host this weekend's United States Grand Prix

Formula One will attempt for the 10th time to crack the United States this weekend when it returns to America after a five-year absence.

Get ready for carnage says Button as new Texas track pushes F1 to the edge

Daunting: The first turn at the Circuit of the Americas

Jenson Button is predicting Formula One will bounce back with a bang in the United States on Sunday. Button feels chaos could unfold within seconds of the start.

Hamilton is 'hugely motivated' to join Mercedes, claims Brawn

All smiles: Hamilton says he is 'very, very happy' with his decision

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn has no doubt when Lewis Hamilton joins his team next season he will be fully committed.

F1 standings: Drivers' and constructors' points for 2012

FIA trophy

Keep up-to-date with the latest drivers' and constructors' standings throughout the 2012 Formula One season.

Formula One driver and team guide: Your lowdown to the stars of the show

Lewis Hamilton

There are six world champions, two rookies and two men over the age of 40 in Formula One this year. Read Sportsmail's guide to the 24 drivers and 12 teams on the grid in 2012.

2012 Formula One calendar and individual race reports

Spa day: The Belgium Grand Prix is among the best tracks on the calender

The Formula One circus will take on five continents over eight months of gruelling action in 2012. Read Sportsmail's guide to the 20 races that make up this year's calendar.

Formula One on Twitter: Your guide on who to follow this term

Twitter

You can keep track with the stars of Formula One on Twitter. Here, Sportsmail guides you through the driver and teams signed up to the social networking service...

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