Kimi Antonelli has admitted it might take a “catastrophic” collapse from his title rivals for him to be topped F1 world champion this weekend, because the Mercedes driver arrives in Austin holding a commanding 102-point lead over George Russell.
Antonelli tops the drivers’ standings on 340 factors after eight wins in 2026, with Russell second on 238 forward of Lewis Hamilton (229), Max Verstappen (221), Charles Leclerc (215) and Lando Norris (201).
The US Grand Prix runs as an ordinary weekend with no dash, which means a most of 25 factors is on supply on the Circuit of the Americas. That makes it mathematically unimaginable for the title to be wrapped up earlier than Sunday’s chequered flag.
For Antonelli to clinch the championship in Austin on Sunday, he would wish to win the race whereas his closest challenger, Russell, finishes no greater than ninth and Hamilton no greater than fourth.
Ought to he seal it this weekend, Antonelli, who turned 20 in August, would develop into the youngest world champion in F1 historical past, beating the document of 23 years and 134 days set by Sebastian Vettel in 2010.
Talking to pick media together with RacingNews365 forward of the weekend, Antonelli performed down the prospect.
“I imply, positively it is loopy if you concentrate on it, however that is why I will not give it some thought,” he mentioned.
“One thing catastrophic must occur to others for me to develop into [world champion]. For me, it must be an ideal weekend, and to the others, they should do poor outcomes, which is unlikely to occur. So, in fact, something can occur, and it is loopy to consider it.”
“However as I mentioned, we had a gathering with Bono this morning, and we simply mentioned, simply have enjoyable, simply all the time the identical mindset as I had all yr, one race at a time, and yeah, simply attempt to do one of the best I can each race weekend, after which we’ll see. However in fact, if I do issues nicely, then the consequence will come.”
Kimi Antonelli totally conscious F1 title struggle ‘not over but’
Antonelli’s 2026 marketing campaign has been a mesmeric one, notably given how dramatically his rookie yr collapsed throughout the European races.
Requested what it might imply to carry the title at simply 20 years previous, Antonelli didn’t conceal his emotion, whereas insisting the job is way from completed.
“It will likely be a dream,” he mentioned. “It is one thing I dreamt of since I used to be little. To begin with, actually to seek out myself in such a place is is unimaginable. However on the identical time, I must preserve going, preserve pushing, and it is not over but.”
“So first, we’ll attempt to end the job correctly, after which yeah, we are able to take pleasure in the remaining [of the season]. However for certain, it will likely be an unimaginable achievement. However nonetheless there is a bit to go.”
