Antonelli follows in the footsteps of Farina, Ascari

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is on the verge of breaking Alberto Ascari's record of 13 career Formula One wins made by an Italian driver. At just 20 years old, Antonelli has already won nine races in a single season, bringing him closer to reaching Ascari's tally.

For US motor racing legend Mario Andretti, Ascari was a childhood hero. Now 86, Andretti has watched in awe as Antonelli prepares to make history this weekend by becoming the first living Italian to win the Formula One championship. The last Italian champion was Ascari himself, who claimed the title in 1953, 73 years after Alfa Romeo's Giuseppe Nino Farina won the inaugural title in 1950.

Born into a family of racing drivers like his father Antonio, Ascari was always destined for greatness. Tragically, Antonio died in a racing accident in 1925, just five years before the Formula One world championship even began. Ascari's tragic death at Monza in 1955, while testing a Ferrari, only added to his legendary status.

His blue helmet, a symbol of good luck to him, became synonymous with his career. Ironically, it was in that same light blue helmet that Ascari met his demise. Despite the misfortune, Italians paid tribute to Ascari at his funeral, with his beloved blue helmet resting upon his coffin.