Kimi Antonelli stands on the brink of clinching the Formula One drivers' championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, needing a top‑nine finish to seal the title. He enters the race with a 123‑point lead and has won half of the season’s 18 events. A victory would make him the first Italian champion since 1953 and break the record for the youngest title‑winner. Mercedes also eyes the constructors' crown, while Antonelli missed Thursday’s media duties due to a viral infection.
Kimi Antonelli
3 stories since 25 October 2026, newest first
31 October 2026
29 October 2026
Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, extending his championship lead to 123 points over George Russell. The win gives Antonelli 365 points, while Russell remains on 242 and Lewis Hamilton on 241. Antonelli must finish ninth or better in the upcoming Mexico City race to clinch the title. He started from pole, ahead of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, and secured his seventh pole of the season. Five races remain with 125 points still available.
25 October 2026
Kimi Antonelli of Italy won the United States Grand Prix in Austin from pole position, finishing 13 seconds clear of Charles Leclerc, with Max Verstappen third. The result leaves Antonelli 365 points in the drivers' standings, 123 ahead of George Russell on 242 and 124 ahead of Lewis Hamilton on 241. A maximum of 125 points remain this season, and Antonelli can clinch the title at the Mexican Grand Prix by finishing ninth or higher. He would become Formula One's youngest world champion and the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.