How Kimi Antonelli can become youngest ever F1 champion
Antonelli needs just two points in Mexico to seal the title following his Austin victory.
Kimi Antonelli's remarkable season has propelled him closer to breaking the record for the youngest F1 champion. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver boasts a 123-point lead over his teammate George Russell after clinching victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. With three races remaining, Antonelli now finds himself in a position to secure the championship, as only three drivers - himself, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton - remain mathematically eligible to win.
Antonelli's stellar performance in Austin, described by his team boss Toto Wolff as a race of a champion who isn't the champion yet but exceptional, has narrowed the gap between him and his competitors. Lewis Hamilton and Russell finished fourth and eighth, respectively, with the latter facing a challenging race and conceding points. Currently, Antonelli leads the drivers' standings with 365 points, followed by Russell on 242 points and Hamilton on 243 points.
To secure the title in Mexico, Antonelli must only avoid losing more than 23 points to Russell and 24 to Hamilton. If he finishes ninth or better, he will be guaranteed the 2026 championship, regardless of Russell or Hamilton's performance. In another scenario, if Russell or Hamilton fail to win, Antonelli will be crowned champion even if he doesn't score any points. With only 125 points available in the final round, Antonelli is now within striking distance of the title.
Even if the championship ends in a tie, Antonelli would be declared the winner due to his superior number of race wins. Currently, he has nine victories, while Russell has three and Hamilton has one. Despite the intense competition, Antonelli's age and achievements make him a strong contender to become the youngest-ever F1 champion.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
