United States Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli intends to “have fun” while he is on the verge of the title

Antonelli, who has won eight races out of 17 so far this year, is 102 points ahead of Russell and 111 ahead of Hamilton.

If he leaves Austin 125 points ahead of any other driver, he will become champion.

“Just try to do my best every race weekend and then we’ll see,” he said. “But of course, if I do things right, then the result will come.”

Antonelli, who would become the youngest champion in F1 history, said winning the title was “something I dreamed of since I was little”.

He added: “It’s amazing to find myself in such a position already. But at the same time I have to keep going, keep pushing and it’s not over yet. So first we will try to finish the job properly and then we can enjoy the rest.”

“Of course, it will be an incredible feat. But there is still a lot to do.”

Many of Antonelli’s rivals have expressed praise for his achievements this year, highlighting his improvement in his second season after a difficult first year in 2025.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Haas’ Oliver Bearman and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar all said it was “pretty impressive” to see the step forward he had made year on year.

Hamilton, whose Mercedes seat Antonelli took after the seven-time champion joined Ferrari for 2025, has seen him develop since being brought into Mercedes’ young driver program at the age of 11.

Hamilton said: “He doesn’t need any advice. He showed this year and also last year, but particularly this year, just his talent and his ability, his calmness in his approach.”

“He’s done an incredible job this year and I’m so proud of him. I’m so proud of the way he carries himself, the way he interacts with the drivers, even with you (the media). And it’s great to see him and the team excel. If it’s not my team, I would still say I would still want to see my old team succeed.”