Kimi Antonelli finished third at the Singapore Grand Prix behind race winner Max Verstappen, leaving the young Mercedes driver one win away from securing his first Formula One world title in Austin.
Key facts
- Max Verstappen won the Singapore Grand Prix, leading from start to finish at Marina Bay.
- Kimi Antonelli finished third and could clinch the title at the next round in Austin.
- Antonelli leads Mercedes teammate George Russell by 102 points and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by 111.
- A win in Austin could make the 20-year-old Italian F1's youngest champion.
- Six meetings remain, with 25 points awarded to each race winner.
Kimi Antonelli said he can finally dare to dream about winning his first Formula One world championship after finishing third at the Singapore Grand Prix, a result that leaves him in position to secure the title at the next round in Austin, according to the Guardian.
Max Verstappen won the race with a dominant drive at the Marina Bay circuit, leading from start to finish. Behind him, Antonelli’s podium carried the greater significance for the championship picture, keeping the Mercedes driver firmly in control of the standings.
With the podium finish, Antonelli could become Formula One’s youngest champion at the age of 20 in two weeks’ time, the Guardian reported. The prospect has given the Italian cause to believe that a first world title is within his grasp.
Antonelli leads his Mercedes teammate George Russell by 102 points and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton by 111 points. The gap gives him a commanding advantage with the season entering its closing stretch.
There are six meetings remaining, with 25 points on offer to the winner of each race. According to the Guardian, Antonelli will take the title if he wins in Austin and Russell finishes ninth or lower while Hamilton finishes fifth or lower.
The combination of results required means the championship could be decided in Texas in late October, offering Antonelli an early opportunity to wrap up a historic season.
Why it matters
A title for Antonelli would make him the youngest champion in Formula One history, marking a generational shift at the front of the grid. The prospect of a championship being decided in Austin adds significant stakes to the upcoming race.
Frequently asked questions
When could Kimi Antonelli win the F1 title?
Antonelli could secure the championship at the next round in Austin, in late October, according to the Guardian.
What does Antonelli need to clinch the title in Austin?
He will take the title if he wins in Austin and George Russell finishes ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton finishes fifth or lower.
How big is Antonelli's championship lead?
He leads teammate George Russell by 102 points and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by 111 points, with six meetings remaining.