How Kimi Antonelli can clinch his maiden F1 championship in Mexico

Kimi Antonelli is poised to secure his first Formula 1 title at the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix. After narrowly missing out on the title in Austin, the 20-year-old Mercedes driver will have another opportunity in Mexico City. If Antonelli finishes within the top nine, he will automatically become the champion, irrespective of the performance of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

To truly clinch the title, Antonelli must lead by at least 100 points over both rivals after Mexico. While a win in Mexico would put him safely ahead, even a ninth-place finish would narrow the gap to exactly 100 points. In this case, Antonelli would only need to win all remaining races while his rivals fail to score. Even if he fails to score in Mexico, he would still be crowned champion if neither Russell nor Hamilton wins the race.

The championship standings following the United States Grand Prix are as follows: Kimi Antonelli leads with 365 points, George Russell follows with 242, and Lewis Hamilton is third with 241. Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, Pierre Gasly, Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto, Ollie Bearman, Nico Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto, Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Yuki Tsunoda, Lance Stroll, Valtteri Bottas, and Sergio Perez follow with lower point totals.