Antonelli on brink of F1 history as youngest champion and Italy’s first in 73 years

Kimi Antonelli is on the verge of rewriting history as the youngest Formula One champion and Italy's first in 73 years, according to a report from Mexico City. With just two races left in the season, the 20-year-old Mercedes driver needs to finish ninth or better in the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix to claim the title, breaking the record held by Sebastian Vettel by over three years. The last Italian champion, Alberto Ascari, won in 1953, leaving a 73-year gap between champions.

Antonelli has already secured nine wins out of 18 races this year, with nine podium finishes in his last 11 outings, including a fifth place and a 15th place. His consistency and cool-headedness, despite his young age, have earned him a reputation as a potential champion. Team boss Toto Wolff anticipates a celebration with tequila or caipirinha parties after the race, as Mercedes may also clinch the constructors' championship at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Ferrari, however, may find themselves on the losing side, as they had a chance to sign Antonelli as a teenager but declined. Former president Luca di Montezemolo expressed regret for missing that opportunity, but believes Antonelli's success in a Mercedes uniform is a positive outcome. The race will see other competitors such as Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Sergio Perez, adding to the festive atmosphere for the Mexican crowd.