Sports · Motorsport · 2 hrs ago
Antonelli could become F1's youngest champion in the United States
Kimi Antonelli, a 20-year-old Italian racing for Mercedes, could become Formula 1's youngest world champion this season.
The United States Grand Prix in Austin is his first chance, but he needs to win and George Russell to finish ninth or lower, while Lewis Hamilton must finish fifth or lower.
If those results do not happen, Antonelli is still strongly placed to secure the title at a later race.
He is in his second Formula 1 season and has built a large lead through a successful year.
Max Verstappen has won the last two grands prix, making Red Bull a stronger threat in the closing races.
Antonelli says routines such as washing his car by hand help him avoid focusing too much on championship pressure.
The race in Austin begins a run of events in Mexico and Brazil, where the title could be decided in the coming weeks.
Kimi Antonelli could become Formula 1’s youngest world champion at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver needs to win the race, while George Russell finishes ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton fifth or lower, according to Sky Sports.
The chance of him securing the title in Austin is described as slim, but his lead makes him likely to become champion during the remaining races.
If he wins the title, he would do so in only his second season in Formula 1.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s recent improvement could still delay Antonelli’s celebrations.
- Who
- Kimi Antonelli, the 20-year-old Mercedes driver.
- What
- He could become Formula 1’s youngest world champion.
- When
- At the United States Grand Prix, or at a later race this season.
- Where
- Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
- Why
- His championship lead is large, and he can clinch the title in Austin if he wins while George Russell finishes ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton fifth or lower.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix from 19th on the grid, according to ESPN.
Sky Sports reported that the United States Grand Prix could be Antonelli’s first chance to clinch the title.
RaceFans and ESPN reported on Antonelli’s title prospects ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
The United States Grand Prix is scheduled to take place in Austin.
The next race is scheduled for Mexico City, followed by Brazil a week later.
- Age
- 20
- Team
- Mercedes
- Race
- United States Grand Prix
- Venue
- Circuit of the Americas, Austin
- Title-clinching conditions
- Antonelli must win; Russell must finish ninth or lower; Hamilton must finish fifth or lower
- Previous Italian Grand Prix result
- Antonelli won from 19th on the grid
4 sources
How Antonelli handles standing on the verge of F1 history
Early coronation for Antonelli? Five talking points for the United States Grand Prix | Formula 1
Car washes, pub trips and pranks: How Kimi Antonelli is staying grounded on brink of F1 history
US GP talking points: How will Hamilton, Norris move on from woes?
What people are saying
I take my time because it needs to be done well. It needs to be cleaned well. It needs to be dried well, because if you don't dry it well and there's still some water [on it], then, you know, it's weird. It looks dirty. So it needs to be done well and then also inside.
Racing is always on my mind. I try not to think too much about, first of all, the situation I'm in, because I feel like if I would think too much about championship and stuff, I would probably get anxious as well. Also I wouldn't have quality time at home, because I would just be worrying about this.
I like to clean my car. I never do automatic, you know, with the machine. I always like to wash by hand, myself. Because I love cars, I really like to take care of my car and everything. I like to see it clean, so it's an activity I love to do. It's a routine.
we've just got to finish the job.