Kimi Antonelli is barred from the circuit: they don’t recognize him

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is getting closer and closer to his first world championship title. By finishing third in Singapore, the Mercedes driver extended his lead over second-place George Russell, who now trails by more than 100 points in the overall standings.

On Sunday at the Marina Bay Circuit, however, the 20-year-old from Bologna found himself in an awkward situation: the circuit’s security staff did not recognize him and denied him access to the drivers’ area. The staff thought he was a fan and decided not to let him in. The incident was captured on video, which immediately went viral: the Mercedes driver tried to enter the paddock, but security blocked his path, keeping the gate closed despite his protests.

“I’m a Formula 1 driver,” Kimi tried to say, and he had to wait for Max Verstappen to arrive: the four-time world champion was immediately recognized and allowed the driver from Bologna to enter as well.

The overall drivers’ standings speak for themselves: Antonelli leads with 340 points, ahead of Russell (238), Lewis Hamilton (229), Max Verstappen (221), and Charles Leclerc (215). This lead puts the 20-year-old from Emilia on track to clinch the title as early as the next race. The United States Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday, October 25, in Austin, could be the scene of his coronation: to be crowned world champion in Texas, Antonelli will have to win the race and hope that Russell finishes no higher than ninth.