How Kimi Antonelli can win historic F1 title in Mexico today

Kimi Antonelli is on the verge of becoming the youngest-ever Formula One drivers’ champion as the circus descends on Mexico City.

Mercedes’ young Italian has enjoyed a stellar campaign, winning half of the 18 races thus far in this campaign, leaving the field in his dust.

Whether he will win the title this season is more a question of ‘when’ than ‘if’.

Now, though, he heads into round 19 with a 123-point cushion to the second-placed Russell and leads third-placed Lewis Hamilton by 124.

On arrival in Mexico City, he has one hand on the title. Here’s how he can get the job done on Sunday with four races to spare...

One step away: Kimi Antonelli is on the verge of history

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How Antonelli can win historic F1 title in Mexico

Antonelli will hold all the cards today as he looks to confirm his standing as this season’s F1 world champion - the odds are heavily in his favour. Here is how he could do it.

Simply put, any finish of ninth or better will be enough to see Antonelli crowned champion. Should he manage that, Russell and Hamilton’s finishing places will be irrelevant.

Provided neither Russell nor Hamilton win the race, Antonelli will be crowned champion. Antonelli will be slightly nervous that Hamilton has earned his first pole position in over three years, since the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2023 – 1,197 days ago – in Mexico City.

Should Antonelli finish tenth or lower, or even DNF, Russell or Hamilton can keep the title fight alive with a race win.

Leading the pack: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli top the drivers’ standings heading into round 19

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Drivers’ standings top ten ahead of Mexico City Grand Prix

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 365 points (9 wins, 15 podium finishes)
2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 242pts (3W, 8P)
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 241pts (1W, 6P)
4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 236pts (2W, 10P)
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 233pts (1W, 6P)
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 211pts (2W, 5P)
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 144pts (0W, 2P)
8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) - 105pts (0W, 2P)
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 77pts (0W, 0P)
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 42pts (0W, 0P)