How Antonelli can become F1’s youngest-ever world champion

Mercedes driver, Kimi Antonelli, could become Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion at the United States Grand Prix on October 25, following his third-place finish in Singapore.

The 20-year-old extended his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship to 102 points after the Singapore race, where Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Antonelli’s Mercedes team-mate, George Russell, finished ninth after starting from the back of the grid because of an engine penalty, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton dropped to sixth after struggling with his tyres in the closing stages.

With six rounds remaining in the 2026 season, Antonelli has his first mathematical opportunity to secure the title at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

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However, he needs to win the race and rely on specific results from his two closest rivals.

Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship by 102 points after the Singapore Grand Prix, giving him a substantial advantage with six rounds remaining.

Russell occupies second place, while Hamilton is third, 111 points behind Antonelli.

The Italian’s third-place finish in Singapore earned him 15 points, while Russell’s ninth-place result added two points to his tally. The result increased Antonelli’s advantage over his Mercedes team-mate to a season-high 102 points.

Antonelli has now recorded 14 podium finishes this season and is chasing his first Formula 1 world championship in only his second year in the sport.

READ MORE: F1: How Antonelli can become youngest world champion in Austin – Sporting Tribune