Kimi Antonelli could become the youngest Formula 1 champion as early as Mexico

The title could be decided in Mexico

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli arrives at the Mexican Grand Prix as the untouchable leader of the Formula 1 championship. According to AFP, to clinch the title early he only needs to finish ninth or higher — then he would become champion at 20 years and 68 days old, beating Sebastian Vettel's record by more than three years. At the same time, Antonelli would become the first Italian champion in 73 years — since Alberto Ascari, who won the title with Ferrari in 1953.

The gap and rivals' chances

After winning the United States Grand Prix last Saturday, Antonelli's lead over his nearest pursuers — Mercedes teammate George Russell and Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton — stands at 123 and 124 points respectively. His rivals can only stop him by winning both remaining races and hoping Antonelli finishes tenth or worse, which AFP assesses as highly unlikely. The season's statistics confirm the leader's consistency: nine wins in 18 races, and over the last 11 rounds — nine podiums, a fifth and a fifteenth place, with the 15th being only his second points-less finish of the season.

The driver's mindset and the team's reaction

Antonelli himself said after the race in Texas that he is approaching the weekend with the same mindset: 'I'll try to enjoy it as much as possible, but I'll fight for another win. It's better to finish on a high note, and that's my goal.' Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who brought Antonelli into the team after Hamilton's departure, is already preparing to celebrate: 'It will be a tequila party. And if not — a caipirinha party a week later,' referring to the next round in Brazil. In Mexico, Mercedes could also clinch the constructors' title early.

Ferrari, the rivals and Pérez's milestone

Ferrari's tifosi have reason for mixed feelings: according to AFP, the team once had the chance to sign Antonelli as a youngster but considered him too young. Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo admitted in an interview with Spain's AS that he regrets the missed opportunity, but added that it may have been for the best for the driver himself — such a young Italian behind the wheel of a Ferrari would have had to withstand enormous pressure.

The driver's mindset and the team's reaction

In the race itself, Antonelli will not be the favourite: finishing high matters more to him than winning, and after a string of strong results four-time champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull is ready to take advantage. Verstappen has won in Mexico five times, reigning champion Lando Norris won there from pole last year for McLaren, while Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are also mentioned as contenders. The hosts of the track have a separate reason to celebrate: Mexican Sergio Pérez of Cadillac will make his 300th Formula 1 start — the day before, the 36-year-old driver announced a contract extension with the American team until 2029.