LEWIS HAMILTON is relishing this weekend's fight to the finish for the Formula One world title between Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso.

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh has no doubts Hamilton would also have been in contention going into Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix had his team not underperformed and let down the 27-year-old.

Sunday's victory in the United States underlined just what Hamilton and the team are capable of as he conjured a stunning drive.

Instead, it is a duel between Vettel and Alonso as both men aim to become a three-time champion, with the duo separated by 13 points.

Addressing the title fight, Hamilton said: "It's a very finely poised battle, and neither Sebastian nor Fernando can afford to relax for a moment.

"They are both fantastic drivers, and both have driven superbly all season. Now we'll see who takes the final honours – I hope it's an epic contest."

For Hamilton, it is a case of what might have been as McLaren have been plagued by pit-stop issues and unreliability at various stages this season.

Whitmarsh is aware of what must be done over the winter, even though Hamilton will not be with the team in 2013 given he joins Mercedes at the start of the year.

"We've underperformed, we haven't done a good enough job in a number of different ways," said Whitmarsh.

"We have to get better with everything we do, which is something we aim to do during the winter and target an epic season next year."

For now, with one race remaining at the end of his six years in F1 with McLaren, Hamilton would love to go out with back-to-back wins.

"My win in Austin last week was one of the races of my life, and I'd love to take victory in Brazil this weekend to give the team the perfect farewell present."