By Karim Hammam
Kimi Antonelli stands on the brink of becoming Formula 1's youngest-ever world champion at the Mexican Grand Prix. The 20-year-old Italian leads Mercedes teammate George Russell by 123 points and Lewis Hamilton by 124 points with 125 points remaining this season.
Title scenarios in Mexico City
Antonelli needs only a ninth-place finish or better on Sunday to secure the 2026 drivers' title. Ninth place awards two points, which would leave Russell unable to overcome Antonelli's race-wins tally — the tiebreaker if points are level — even with a victory.
Even if Antonelli retires or finishes outside the top ten, he could still claim the championship. At minimum, Russell or Hamilton must win the grand prix to extend the title fight to Brazil next week.
Record-breaking potential
A title win would make Antonelli the youngest champion in F1's 76-year history, surpassing Sebastian Vettel's record of 23 years and 134 days set in 2010. He would also become only the third driver — after Lewis Hamilton and Jacques Villeneuve — to win the championship in just his second season.
The championship calendar includes remaining rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, with a one-off race in Imola as a contingency if Middle East events prevent those rounds from taking place.
