AUSTIN, Texas — Kimi Antonelli is sitting on the cusp of history.The 20-year-old Italian prodigy and Mercedes driver could achieve Formula 1 immortality Sunday by becoming the youngest world champion in history at the United States Grand Prix in Texas.“It definitely is crazy if you think about it.But that’s why I won’t think about it,” Antonelli told reporters Thursday.
“It’s always the same mindset I’ve had all year: one race at a time.Just try to do the best I can every race weekend, and then we’ll see.
But, of course, if I do things well, then the result will come.”Antonelli has had a breakout 2026 season in F1 after having struggled as a rookie last year, and fellow drivers have praised his on-track performance in outshining his older Mercedes teammate and rival George Russell, who entered the season as the title favorite.Reigning world champion Lando Norris said Antonelli has made “a huge leap” since last year.“I rate George, and I think he’s a very good driver.But Kimi’s been two levels above George the whole season,” Norris said.Pole sitter Kimi Antonelli is congratulated by fourth placed qualifier George Russell ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 4 in England.Andy Hone / LAT Images fileNow, with six races to go, he sits 102 points ahead.
If his lead reaches the magic number of 125 this weekend, nobody will be able mathematically to catch him for the rest of the season.Three things must happen Sunday for Antonelli to leave Texas as the world champion.First, he must win the race.
Second, he needs his Mercedes teammate and chief rival, Russell, to finish ninth or worse.Third, he needs Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton to finish fifth or worse.Antonelli is on track to break a record set in 2010 by Sebastian Vettel, who became the youngest-ever world champion in a title-deciding thriller.
Antonelli was 4 years old then.“I remember I was playing with Hot Wheels,” he quipped.He remains the he...