Kimi Antonelli could become F1’s youngest champion in Austin

Kimi Antonelli could clinch the F1 title in Austin and become the youngest champion in the sport’s history. At 20 years and 61 days old when the race takes place, the Mercedes driver would beat Vettel’s previous record by more than three years. He currently has 340 points, and an Italian title would end a 73-year wait. The championship is still technically open, with 150 points available: Antonelli can collect the trophy at COTA if things go his way. To secure an unassailable lead, he needs to win, while Russell must finish ninth or lower and Hamilton fifth or lower.

A title would also make Antonelli the first driver born in the 2000s to win the championship. He would be only the third Italian to claim an F1 title, and the first Italian champion not driving for an Italian team. The last Italian title was won by Alberto Ascari, 73 years ago.

Vettel, whose record could fall, is pleased for the young driver: “I’d be very happy for him. He’s had an incredible year, and there’s the old phrase that records are there to be broken. He still has a lot of years ahead of him to do so.” A win in Austin would take Antonelli to nine career victories, four short of Ascari’s Italian record of 13. Antonelli has already set several records this year, including becoming the youngest polesitter in China and taking Vettel’s former mark.