Kimi Antonelli heads into the Mexican Grand Prix with a strong chance of securing his first Formula One world championship. The Mercedes driver leads the standings with 365 points, 123 ahead of teammate George Russell, and will become champion if he finishes ninth or higher, provided the title contenders do not produce an unexpected result.
Hamilton and Russell must win to keep their championship hopes alive under the scenarios outlined before the race. Hamilton has 241 points and starts from pole, while Russell is second on the grid. Antonelli qualified fourth in the original classification, although the listed starting order later places him fourth behind Charles Leclerc and ahead of Max Verstappen, who has a one-place grid penalty.
Hamilton’s pole was his first for Ferrari and his first since 2023. The seven-time world champion set a time of 1:16.514, beating Russell by 0.009 seconds. Leclerc qualified third, with Antonelli and Verstappen completing the leading group in the published grid order.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez presents a distinctive challenge because of its long run from the start to Turn 1 and Mexico City’s high altitude. Engineers must account for the thinner air, while track temperatures are expected to be extremely high despite air temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius.
Several grid changes followed qualifying. Liam Lawson was disqualified and will start at the back, moving Pierre Gasly, Arvid Lindblad and Nico Hülkenberg up the order. Verstappen received a one-place penalty, while Valtteri Bottas faces a 50-place engine-related penalty but had qualified 21st, meaning the sanction does not materially alter his position.
Ryo Hirakawa is also set to make his Formula One race debut at short notice. He replaces Esteban Ocon and will start 18th after qualifying ahead of Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez and Bottas.
Mercedes leads the manufacturers’ standings, followed by Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren. Antonelli’s advantage in the drivers’ championship means the Mexican race could mark a historic moment: if he claims the title, he would surpass Sebastian Vettel as the youngest Formula One champion in history.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.