Kimi Antonelli can become Formula 1’s youngest world champion with as little as a ninth-place finish in Mexico City this weekend.

Antonelli became the youngest ever driver to take a lead in the Formula 1 standings after his victory at Suzuka in Japan. The record for youngest champion, though, is still Sebastian Vettel’s from 2010 and that could change on Sunday.

This Grand Prix, Antonelli took his ninth victory of the year on Sunday. The team principal Toto Wolff thought the lap was a miracle, and earned Antonelli pole position, the 20-year-old controlled proceedings from the front.

Charles Leclerc finished second with more than 13 seconds behind Antonelli. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completed the podium, attaining third place. Antonelli’s start meant he was already ahead of a bogged down Verstappen, while Mercedes’ decision to make just one pit stop ensured the field never had a chance to catch the Mercedes.

For Antonelli the victory means he leads teammate George Russell by 123 points in the championship with Hamilton 124 points adrift in third. There are five races remaining on the Formula 1 calendar, meaning Antonelli only needs to limit the damage in Mexico to become world champion.

Antonelli had a chance to clinch the title in Texas, but would’ve needed to win and count on Russell finishing outside of top 8 and Hamilton outside of fourth. Hamilton took fourth with Russell eighth, meaning the championship can be decided in Mexico.

If Antonelli finishes Mexico ninth, that would be enough to become world champion. For Russell to force the title fight on to Brazil, he’d need to beat Antonelli’s points total by at least 24. For Hamilton to do it, he’d need to beat Antonelli’s total by at least 25.

Should points be level, Antonelli would take the crown thanks to more race wins (nine to Russell’s three).

Antonelli kicked off his title charge with a five-race winning streak in the first half of the year.

“I’m aware it’s close, but the mindset doesn’t change,” Antonelli said after the race. “I would love to clinch the title in style with a great result.”

Wolff’s take on Antonelli’s performance: “The race of a champion who isn’t the champion yet.”

Written by

Dee