AUSTIN: Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is on the verge of making Formula One history after winning the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, leaving him just 2 points away from securing his first world championship.
The 20-year-old Italian delivered a dominant performance at the Circuit of the Americas to claim his ninth victory of the season and strengthen his position at the top of the drivers’ standings.
Antonelli said his approach would remain unchanged as he heads into next week’s Mexican Grand Prix, where he could clinch the title.
“The best way, the perfect way, would be to finish off in style and then just enjoy the rest of the season,” he said.
“I’m very aware that it’s very close, but the mindset doesn’t change.”
Antonelli on Course to Break Vettel’s Record
If Antonelli wins the championship, he will become the youngest world champion in Formula One history, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s record. Vettel was 23 years and 133 days old when he secured his first title in 2010.
Antonelli would also become the first Italian driver to win the Formula One world championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Despite being close to the biggest achievement of his career, the Mercedes driver said he wanted to finish the season strongly and carry that momentum into 2027.
“I want to finish the season on a high in order to then go with high hopes into 2027,” he said. “But we’ll first focus and worry about finishing this well, and then we’ll see.”
How Antonelli Can Clinch the Title
Following his victory in Austin, Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship with 365 points.
His Mercedes teammate George Russell is second with 242 points, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who drives for Ferrari, is third with 241.
Antonelli can secure the championship by finishing in the top nine at the Mexican Grand Prix. Even if he fails to score points, he will still become champion if neither Russell nor Hamilton wins the race.
His substantial points advantage puts him in a commanding position heading into the next round of the championship.
Verstappen Targets Third Straight Win as Antonelli Closes In on F1 Title
Mercedes Celebrates Return to Winning Form
Antonelli described his victory in Austin as the perfect conclusion to the weekend, praising the Mercedes team for its strategic decisions.
The Italian said he had initially been uncertain whether a one-stop or two-stop strategy would prove faster, but was pleased that the team’s decision worked.
“That was the perfect way to end the weekend,” he said.
“It was an incredible team effort, especially from strategy, to believe in me and go for one stop because I wasn’t sure whether one or two stop was the quickest.”
He added that the victory was particularly important for both him and Mercedes after a couple of difficult races.
“Today was a really important victory for me and for the team, especially after having a couple of difficult races, so being back on top feels very good.”
With the Mexican Grand Prix next on the calendar, Antonelli has an opportunity to complete a remarkable season by securing his maiden world championship and establishing a new record in Formula One history.
