Kimi Antonelli plays down chances of taking title at United States Grand Prix

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli has played down his chances of sealing the world drivers title at this weekend’s Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, claiming it needs to be a ‘perfect weekend.’

Feature image credit: Mercedes F1

Antonelli has been realistic on his chances of securing the world drivers title in Austin, Texas, this weekend, suspecting it to be an ‘unlikely’ occurrence at the Circuit of The Americas.

In a dominant season from the young Italian, one which has seen him take eight race victories (including his maiden win), 14 podium finishes and six pole positions, Antonelli currently heads the drivers championship by 102 points over his teammate George Russell.

Going into the weekend, Mercedes’ young Italian needs to win the race in COTA to have a mathematical chance of securing the world title. But it is also dependant on Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton finishing ninth and 10th, or less, respectively.

A win would also rule Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc out of contention.

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In Thursday’s media day press conference, Antonelli has played down his chances of sealing the crown this weekend. He said:

“I mean, it definitely is crazy if you think about it, but that’s why I won’t think about it. I’ve heard that something catastrophic needs to happen to the others for me to become champion.

“For me, it needs to be a perfect weekend. The others need to have a poor result, which is unlikely to happen. So, of course, anything can happen, and it’s crazy to think about it.

“But, as I said, we had a meeting with Bono this morning, and we just said, “Just have fun.” It’s always the same mindset I’ve had all year: one race at a time. Just try to do the best I can every race weekend, and then we’ll see. But, of course, if I do things well, then the result will come.”

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If Antonelli seals the world drivers title, the Italian will stands as the youngest-ever F1 world champion, at 20 years old, beating Sebastian Vettel who reset the record in 2010. Becoming Italy’s first world champion since Alberto Ascari, back in 1953.

Even if the Italian doesn’t take the title this weekend, he will have until he is 23 years old to set the record.

“It would be a dream. It’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was little. First of all, to find myself in such a position is incredible. But at the same time, I need to keep going, keep pushing, and it’s not over yet,” Antonelli continued.

“So first, we’ll try to finish the job properly, and then we can enjoy the rest. But, for sure, it would be an incredible achievement, but there’s still a bit to go.”

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.