Antonelli Insists Mindset Will Not Change as F1 Title Beckons

Posted : 26 October 2026

Kimi Antonelli has vowed to maintain his usual approach as he heads into next weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, where he could become Formula One’s youngest-ever world champion.

The 20-year-old Italian strengthened his grip on the championship with a commanding victory for Mercedes at Sunday’s United States Grand Prix, earning his ninth win of the season and moving within two points of securing the title.

Antonelli is on course to surpass Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest Formula One champion. Vettel was 23 years and 133 days old when he claimed his first world title in 2010. If Antonelli seals the championship, he will also become the first Italian to win the drivers’ title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Despite the opportunity to make history in Mexico, Antonelli insists he will not allow the prospect of winning the championship to change his approach.

He said his priority was to finish the season strongly and enjoy the remaining races, adding that he hoped to secure the title with another impressive performance before turning his attention to the 2027 campaign.

The Mercedes driver currently leads the standings with 365 points, ahead of teammate George Russell on 242 and Ferrari’s seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton on 241.

A top-nine finish in Mexico would guarantee Antonelli the championship, regardless of his rivals’ results. His advantage has grown significantly after Russell finished eighth and Hamilton fourth in Austin, leaving both with only a slim mathematical chance of catching him.

Antonelli described his United States Grand Prix victory as an important result for both himself and Mercedes, particularly after a difficult run of races. He also praised the team’s strategy, which involved making a single pit stop, admitting that he had initially been uncertain whether a one-stop or two-stop approach would prove quicker.

The team’s decision ultimately paid off, allowing him to control the race and finish comfortably ahead of his rivals.

His performances have earned praise from former world champion Damon Hill, who highlighted Antonelli’s talent, enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunities Mercedes has given him. Hill also expressed confidence that the young Italian could go on to win multiple championships.

Russell, meanwhile, endured a difficult afternoon in Austin and admitted that his pace was insufficient to challenge at the front. A five-second penalty further complicated his race, although he acknowledged that the car’s performance was the bigger problem.

Hamilton also rued missed opportunities, explaining that difficulties with car balance during his opening stints cost him valuable time. The Ferrari driver said he needed to improve his setup work to avoid losing further points in the remaining races.

With the championship within reach, Antonelli will travel to Mexico aiming to complete the job without abandoning the mindset that has brought him to the brink of a historic achievement.

Antonelli Insists Mindset Will Not Change as F1 Title Beckons

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