Antonelli Can Make History in Mexico City With Ninth Place Finish
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver needs only a top-ten result to become the youngest F1 champion ever, breaking a record set by Sebastian Vettel.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Kimi Antonelli can secure the Formula 1 world championship on Sunday in Mexico City by finishing in ninth place. The result is sufficient to clinch the title regardless of the performances of his teammate George Russell or Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton.
If Antonelli achieves this result, he will become the youngest champion in the sport's history. He would surpass the record held by Sebastian Vettel, who won the title at age 23 in 2010. Antonelli is currently 20 years old.
The Italian driver is positioned for victory after winning the United States Grand Prix last week from pole position. He will start fourth on the grid in Mexico City. Lewis Hamilton holds the pole position for the upcoming race.
Antonelli has gained momentum during the current season. Although Russell started the year as Mercedes' primary driver and won the opening race in Australia, Antonelli has captured nine races since then.
A championship win would also mark the first title for an Italian driver since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Mercedes could simultaneously claim its first constructors' title since 2021 if the outcome holds.
Source: The Hour
