Kimi Antonelli stands on the brink of history at the United States Grand Prix, where he can become Formula 1’s youngest world champion on Sunday. Despite the stakes, he says he is enjoying himself more than usual. The driver is aiming to become the first Italian F1 world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Qualifying Success
His championship charge was bolstered on Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas, where he secured a surprise pole position by 0.179 seconds over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. This marks his first pole since the Belgian Grand Prix in July, ending a period where Mercedes faced stiff competition from McLaren and Red Bull. His delight was audible as he whooped over the team radio.
Title Requirements
- Antonelli must win Sunday’s race to clinch the title.
- Mercedes team-mate George Russell must finish lower than eighth.
- Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton must finish below fourth.
- Hamilton and Russell currently start the race fifth and sixth.
