How Kimi Antonelli can become youngest F1 World Champion at the US Grand Prix

File pic- Antonelli will surpass Sebastian Vettel, who won with title in 2010 with Red Bull at 23 years and 134 days old. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is on the cusp of history. In less than 24 hours, the 20-year-old Italian could well become Formula one’s youngest ever world champion at the United States Grand Prix in Texas.

Antonelli will surpass Sebastian Vettel, who won with title in 2010 with Red Bull at 23 years and 134 days old.

Antonelli has done everything he can to take a step closer to the historic milestone, having clinched pole to put himself in prime position to win Sunday’s Grand Prix. But with that being said, a victory alone won’t guarantee the title for Antonelli.

The Italian will need his title rivals George Russell and Lewis Hamilton to finish outside the top five for him to seal the deal at Texas.

How can Russell and Hamilton take the championship fight to Mexico?

The driver’s title is Antonelli’s for the taking but there’s only a very slim chance it could happen on Sunday. Ahead of the race, Russell and Hamilton find themselves in a position to delay the inevitable.

Antonelli leads the standings by 102 points from Russell while Hamilton is third, 111 points adrift.

During qualifying on Saturday, Russell finished a disappointing sixth while Hamilton finished fifth, putting them on the backfoot.

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However, for Antonelli to win the title in Texas, two scenarios need to play out simultaneously — Russell will have to finish ninth or lower and Hamilton will have to finish fifth or lower.

Considering the superior pace of the Mercedes and the Ferrari compared to the midfield teams, Russell, barring car issues or a DNF, is in line to finish in the top eight. Hamilton could well finish below the top five but that in itself will not hand Antonelli the title.

So, all things considered, it remains unlikely that Antonelli will leave Vegas as champion. He might need to wait until at least the Mexican Grand Prix next weekend to experience the crowing moment.