Kimi Antonelli sets sights on first F1 win: 'Very achievable'

Kimi Antonelli believes it is “very achievable” to take a grand prix win in the final rounds of the F1 campaign.

However, the Italian asserted it relies on being able to get the car into a performance window similar to the São Paulo race.

Antonelli crossed the line in Brazil in second place as he fended off four-time champion Max Verstappen in the closing stages to seal a career-best result.

It marked his second podium during his rookie season, while Mercedes' two wins this year have been delivered by team-mate George Russell.

When asked if he thinks a win could be possible before the end of the season, Antonelli told Sky F1: “Obviously, we need to make the last bit of step. 

“It would be amazing to get the first win by the end of the season. 

“We know it's not going to be easy but if we keep up like this, and we were able to extract the best out of the car, I think it's going to be very achievable.”

Mercedes is being tipped to be a major player in Las Vegas, benefitting from the cool conditions that are forecast.

With the team moving to second in the constructors' standings after the Brazil race, Antonelli issued a rally call to Mercedes to ensure it stays ahead of its rivals. 

“We maximised the performance [in Brazil] and that's the best we could have asked for.” he said. 

“Also we gain a lot of points on the constructors'. So we just need to keep up the game and keep performing at this level.”