Kimi Antonelli admitted on Thursday that he needs to have a ‘perfect weekend’ at the United States Grand Prix to realise his dream of winning a maiden drivers’ world championship.
Mercedes’ 20-year-old Italian could become the youngest champion in F1 history and the first from Italy since Alberto Ascari in 1953 if he wins Sunday’s race and nearest rival and team-mate George Russell fails to finish in the top eight.
He would also need seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari to finish outside the top four.
"If you think about it, it’s crazy,” said a smiling and relaxed Antonelli, speaking to reporters at a news conference at the Circuit of the Americas.
“For me, it needs to be a perfect weekend and the others they need to do a poor result, which is unlikely.
"Of course, anything can happen and it’s crazy to think about it. We had a meeting this morning and we said ‘just have fun’ so we’re in the same mindset that I’ve had all year.
"So, we go one race at a time and I just try to do my best every weekend and then we’ll see.”
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who vacated his seat at Mercedes for Antonelli when he moved to Ferrari, warmly praised him for his talent and his general demeanour.
Asked, as a multiple champion, if he had any advice to give the young Italian who is on the brink of glory, Hamilton smiled and said: “Slow down!”
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