Kimi Antonelli Nears Historic F1 Crown in Mexico, Could Become Youngest-Ever Champion

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli moved closer to becoming the youngest Formula One world champion after finishing second and fourth in Friday’s practice sessions for the Mexico City Grand Prix, despite recovering from a viral infection.

The 20-year-old Italian missed a media session on Thursday due to illness but showed no apparent signs of discomfort on the track. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped both practice sessions, continuing his strong form after securing third place in the previous two races.

Antonelli can clinch the championship on Sunday by finishing as low as ninth, depending on other results. He could also secure the title without scoring another point if a driver other than Lewis Hamilton or George Russell wins the race.

Antonelli is aiming to break Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest F1 world champion, set when the German won the title aged 23 in 2010.

“I would love to clinch the title in style with a great result,” Antonelli said after winning his ninth race of the season in Texas last week. He could also become the first Italian world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953, while Mercedes has an opportunity to secure its first constructors’ championship since 2021.

Mercedes started the season strongly under the new regulations, with Russell winning the Australian Grand Prix. However, Antonelli surged ahead with five consecutive victories, while Russell struggled and finished eighth in Austin.

Meanwhile, Hamilton encountered power problems during the second practice session in Mexico and was instructed by Ferrari officials to stop his car. The session was also interrupted by contact between Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson, prompting a red flag. Both drivers criticised each other following the incident.

Elsewhere, American driver Colton Herta drove Valtteri Bottas ’s Cadillac during first practice as he pursues the super licence required to compete in Formula One next season. Cadillac has yet to confirm Bottas’s future.

The race weekend also presents technical challenges because of Mexico City’s high altitude, which affects engine performance and brake cooling. Russell suggested Ferrari could benefit from its smaller turbocharger configuration.