Formula 1: Antonelli Can Clinch the World Title at the Mexico City Grand Prix

Tonight in Mexico City, we find out whether Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. The Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is 71 laps at an altitude of around 2,200 meters above sea level. According to Silverstone and Formula 1, the start is at 14:00 local time; in Moscow that works out to 23:00 (our conversion — check your TV schedule).

The numbers. After winning the United States Grand Prix in Austin — his ninth of the season, by a margin of 13 seconds — Antonelli has 365 points. George Russell has 242, Lewis Hamilton 241, Max Verstappen 236 (GPFans summary). His lead over Russell is 123 points, over Hamilton 124. Five rounds and 125 points remain in the season, so the math is enough for a single evening: by Crash.net's calculation, Antonelli becomes champion if he finishes ninth or higher — whatever positions his rivals take.

There is a second route to the same outcome. To keep the intrigue alive, either Russell or Hamilton must win in Mexico City. If anyone else wins, the title is in Antonelli's pocket. The circuit, by the way, gives "the others" a chance: Verstappen (2021–2023), Carlos Sainz (2024) and Lando Norris (2025) have all won here.

The organizers, as reported by Mexico's Excelsior, are preparing a separate celebration in case of a coronation. For now this is all background: once the race is run, check formula1.com for the result — at the time of writing there is none.