Antonelli to ‘just have fun’ as he aims for title
Kimi Antonelli says he will focus on enjoying the United States Grand Prix rather than dwelling on the possibility of becoming Formula 1’s youngest world champion. He is mathematically able to clinch the title in Austin, but only if he wins and key rivals George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finish well down the order.
Antonelli has won eight of 17 races and leads Russell by 102 points and Hamilton by 111; a lead of 125 points over every other driver after Austin would secure the championship. Six races are scheduled, though the final two in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain uncertain because of conflicts in the Middle East, with Imola being prepared as a possible replacement for Abu Dhabi. Fellow drivers, including Hamilton, have praised Antonelli’s progress and composure.
In short
- Antonelli can mathematically clinch the F1 title in Austin.
- He says he will take the same race-by-race approach.
- The final two grands prix may be affected by regional conflict.
Explained simply
Formula 1 is a series of races in which drivers score points towards a season-long championship. Kimi Antonelli is a young driver for Mercedes, alongside team-mate George Russell; Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time champion, is also among his main rivals.
Antonelli has won eight races this season and built a substantial lead, but the title is decided by points across the whole calendar. Austin is one of several races still to come, and the remaining schedule may change because of uncertainty over events in the Middle East.
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