Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has shown the consistency of a champion, with a clear vision of his work and a cool head despite his young age. (EPA Images pic)MEXICO CITY: Kimi Antonelli will take his place in Formula One’s record books as the youngest champion and Italy’s first since 1953, barring a wild swing of unexpected misfortunes amid a fiesta atmosphere at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
The runaway leader of the drivers’ championship needs to finish ninth or better in his Mercedes to take the title aged 20 years and 68 days, lowering the record held by Sebastian Vettel by more than three years.
Almost more remarkably, he will also succeed Italy's last champion Alberto Ascari, who won for Ferrari in 1953, after a gap of 73 years during which his country has become synonymous with Formula One.
