When can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 drivers' championship title?

Following the 2026 United States Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli holds a 123-point lead over Mercedes team-mate George Russell.

No other driver is within 100 points of the Italian, who is increasingly set to become the youngest F1 world champion and shatter Sebastian Vettel's record of 23 years, 4 months, 11 days by over three years.

Antonelli, who turned 20 in August 2026, has dominated the season, taking a ninth win in Austin, but it was not enough to win the championship, although it is almost certain he will in Mexico City next time out.

The article continues below.

THIS ARTICLE WILL BE UPDATED FOLLOWING EVERY GRAND PRIX UNTIL ANTONELLI WINS THE 2026 F1 WORLD DRIVERS' TITLE.

How Kimi Antonelli can win the title in Mexico

After the United States Grand Prix, there are five races scheduled to take place in the season, each worth 25 points.

This gives a total of 125 points remaining in the championship, with Antonelli holding a 123-point lead over Russell and a 124-point lead over Lewis Hamilton.

For Antonelli to win the title in Mexico City the following events must happen.

Russell or Hamilton must win the grand prix. If any other driver does, Antonelli is champion.
If Russell wins, Antonelli must finish P9 or higher.
If Hamilton wins, Antonelli must finish P10 or higher.

With second place only offering 18 points, if Russell or Hamilton were to finish there in Mexico and Antonelli not score, the gap would be 105 to Russell or 106 to Hamilton - exceeding the total of 100 points which remain after Mexico, and thus sealing Antonelli's title.

Should Antonelli win the title in Mexico City, he will be 20 years, 2 months, 7 days old, beating Vettel's record by 3 years, 2 months, 4 days.

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