Kimi Antonelli poised to become Formula One's youngest champion at Mexican Grand Prix
Twenty-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli could clinch the world title at the Mexico City race, which would make him the sport's youngest champion and the first Italian champion since 1953.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is set to race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Sunday, where a finish of ninth place or better would secure him the Formula One world championship. A win would make him the youngest champion in the sport’s history and the first Italian title-holder since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Antonelli, who turned 20 this year, has won five consecutive races early in the season, including a pole position and victory in Monaco that denied Max Verstappen. His performance has drawn praise from team principal Toto Wolff, who noted the driver’s relaxed attitude, and from former Mercedes engineer Peter Bonnington, who said, "As soon as he’s happy in the car: happy driver, fast lap time." The Mexican Grand Prix coincides with the country’s Day of the Dead celebrations, and the atmosphere in the city is expected to be festive, with fans also welcoming back Mexican driver Sergio Pérez. Hamilton, a two-time champion at the venue, commented that Antonelli has handled pressure well, describing him as "a relatively old soul in that young body." Mercedes confirmed Antonelli missed Thursday’s media duties due to illness but indicated he remains focused on finishing the season strongly.