“It would be a dream” – Kimi Antonelli aims for “perfect weekend” at 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix to win first title

Kimi Antonelli admits winning his first Formula 1 title this weekend at the United States Grand Prix “would be a dream” but says he will need a “perfect weekend” to achieve the feat.

The Mercedes driver is on the cusp of the title in Austin after a superb second season, which has so far produced eight wins and a further six podiums from 17 Grands Prix.

Antonelli will have to take victory in Sunday’s Grand Prix and hope his teammate and closest rival George Russell finishes no higher than ninth, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will also have to finish in order.

“It’s crazy if you think about it, but that’s why I won’t think about it,” Antonelli said during Thursday’s media day when asked how he was approaching the weekend.

“For me it has to be a perfect weekend and for others they have to have a bad result, which is unlikely. Of course, anything can happen and it’s crazy to think about it.

“We had a meeting with (race engineer) Bono this morning and we just said ‘have fun’ and still the same mindset I’ve had all year.

“One race at a time and I just try to do my best every race weekend and then we’ll see. But of course, if I do things right, then the result will come.”

Antonelli would break Sebastian Vettel’s 2010 record as the youngest driver to win a maiden F1 title at the age of 20 if he achieves the feat this season.

During Thursday’s press conference, Hamilton congratulated Antonelli on his season after working briefly with the Italian during his last campaign with Mercedes in 2024 and before Antonelli’s arrival in F1.

When asked what it would be like to follow in the footsteps of a seven-time world champion, Antonelli replied: “It would be a dream. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was little.

“Firstly, to be in such a position is incredible but at the same time I have to keep going and attack.

“It’s not finished yet. We’ll try to finish the job properly first and then we can enjoy the rest, but it will definitely be an incredible feat. But there’s still a little way to go.”