Kimi Antonelli arrived at the Mexican Grand Prix with the 2026 Formula 1 title within reach. The Mercedes driver needs just two points to secure the championship and become the third Italian world champion, 73 years after Alberto Ascari’s second title.
Antonelli can clinch the crown by finishing ninth or higher. A 10th-place finish would also be enough if George Russell does not win, while he could still become champion without scoring if neither Russell nor Lewis Hamilton takes victory.
Speaking to Sky Sport journalists less than an hour before the race, Antonelli thanked the Italian fans and promised to represent the country with maximum effort. He was due to start fourth and said the opening phase of the race would be crucial, particularly in choosing the right strategy and positioning at the start.
The Mercedes driver also said he had slept well after feeling exhausted, describing it as his best night of the week. He was the main focus of attention in the paddock, where he arrived holding hands with his 11-year-old sister Maggie.
Maggie attracted attention with an outfit apparently inspired by Mexico’s Día de los Muertos celebrations, while Antonelli wore jeans and a personalized T-shirt. Their father, Marco, was also at the circuit after travelling from Mugello, where he had been working with the family’s Antonelli Motorsport team.
Sources: ANSA Sport.