'It Would Be a Dream': Antonelli Targets Perfect Weekend in Austin for Maiden F1 Crown

A dream within reach

Kimi Antonelli admits that claiming his maiden Formula 1 title at the United States Grand Prix "would be a dream", but says he will need a "perfect weekend" to achieve it. The Mercedes driver stands on the cusp of the title in Austin after a stunning sophomore season, which has so far produced eight wins and a further six podiums across 17 Grands Prix.

To seal the championship, Antonelli must win Sunday's race and hope that team-mate and nearest rival George Russell finishes no higher than ninth, while Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's Max Verstappen also finish down the order.

'Crazy to think about it'

Speaking at Thursday's media day, Antonelli said: "It's crazy if you think about it, but that's why I won't think about it. For me [it] needs to be a perfect weekend and the others, they need to do a poor result, which is unlikely to happen. Of course, anything can happen and it's crazy to think about it."

He said his approach had not changed: "One race at a time and just try to do the best I can every race weekend and then we'll see. But of course if I do things well, then the result will come."

Following in Hamilton's footsteps

Hamilton praised Antonelli at the press conference, recalling that he had worked with the Italian briefly during Hamilton's final season with Mercedes in 2024, ahead of Antonelli's F1 arrival. Asked what it would be like to follow in the footsteps of a seven-time world champion, Antonelli said: "It would be a dream. It's something I've dreamt of since I was little."

He added: "It's not over yet. First we'll try to finish the job properly and then we can enjoy the rest, but for sure it will be an incredible achievement. But there's still a bit to go."