New Delhi, October 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kimi Antonelli is on the brink of Formula One history, with the Mercedes driver having a chance to clinch the 2026 world championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix after extending his lead with victory in Austin.
The 20-year-old Italian heads into the final five rounds with 365 points, holding a 123-point advantage over teammate George Russell, who has 242. Lewis Hamilton is third with 241 points, leaving only the two Mercedes drivers as Antonelli’s remaining mathematical challengers alongside Hamilton.
Antonelli produced a commanding performance at the United States Grand Prix, winning with a one-stop strategy. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described it as “the race of a champion who isn’t the champion yet, but exceptional.” Russell finished eighth, while Hamilton came home fourth.
The result has put Antonelli in a strong position to seal the title in Mexico, where he needs to avoid losing more than 23 points to Russell and 24 to Hamilton.
A ninth-place finish could be enough
Antonelli will be guaranteed the championship if he finishes ninth or higher in Mexico, even if Russell wins the race. A ninth-place finish earns two points, limiting Russell’s potential gain to 23 points and leaving Antonelli 100 points ahead with only 100 points available across the final four rounds. Antonelli would win the title on the countback of race victories.
If neither Russell nor Hamilton wins in Mexico, Antonelli could be crowned champion even without scoring points, provided the relevant points gap becomes insurmountable under the championship rules.
Antonelli has won nine races this season, compared with three for Russell and one for Hamilton. That advantage would also decide the title in his favour if he and a rival finished level on points.
A record-breaking opportunity
Winning the championship would make Antonelli the youngest world champion in F1 history. He would surpass Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days old when he secured his first title in 2010.
With a commanding points lead and a significant advantage in race wins, Antonelli heads to Mexico with the opportunity to turn a remarkable season into a historic championship triumph.
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