When Kimi Antonelli Wins the World Championship: The Scenarios for the World Title

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is getting closer and closer to a goal that seemed unthinkable at the start of the season: winning the Formula 1 World Championship at just 20 years old, shattering all previous records. Even in Malaysia, during the chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix, the driver from Bologna demonstrated great composure: he kept his cool despite the twists and turns, the safety cars, and all the race’s unexpected events, finishing in second place after capitalizing on the simultaneous retirement of his teammate and closest rival, George Russell.

For many, the countdown to the title has already begun: there are now 7 races and one Sprint race remaining, with a total of 183 points up for grabs. Antonelli has 320 points, 84 more than Russell and 106 more than Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari: he has won 8 Grand Prix races and secured 13 podium finishes, compared to his British colleague’s 3 wins and 8 podiums.

According to calculations, Antonelli could mathematically clinch the title as early as October, at the United States Grand Prix in Austin scheduled for Sunday, the 25th—five races before the end of the season. To do so, Antonelli must gain another 16 points on Russell in the next two races in Singapore and Texas.

The most realistic projection, however, is for November: Antonelli could have his chance to clinch the title at the Mexican Grand Prix (November 1) or the Brazilian Grand Prix (November 8). In particular, a victory at Interlagos on Ayrton Senna’s home track would certainly be meaningful for the Mercedes driver, who has often been compared to the Brazilian driver.