Kimi Antonelli could make F1 history later today as he bids to become the sport's youngest ever world champion at the Mexican Grand Prix (2pm local, 8pm UK).

The 20-year-old Italian will look to crown a sensational sophomore season at Mercedes by clinching the title at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Antonelli has already claimed nine Grand Prix victories in 2026, but faces an uphill battle for a 10th later today as he starts from P4 on the grid (after a penalty for Max Verstappen).

The good news for the young sensation from Bologna may not need to even finish Sunday's race to claim the title - depending on what happens with nearest rivals George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. More on that to come.

F1 title scenarios: When can Antonelli become champion?

Antonelli holds a 123-point lead over Russell in the Drivers' standings with just five races remaining, meaning there are just 125 points to play for.

That means the Italian only needs to finish in ninth place in Mexico City today to ensure he is champion, no matter what Russell does.

Indeed, his Mercedes team-mate must win in Mexico have any chance of carrying on the championship battle, meaning Antonelli may not even need to score any points.

Lewis Hamilton is also still just in the mix but trails Antonelli by 124 points. This means Antonelli only needs 10th place and one point, should Hamilton win from pole today.

Antonelli would be youngest F1 world champion ever

Should Antonelli clinch the title in 2026, and it's a formality at this point, he would become the sport's youngest ever world champion.

The man currently holding that honour is Sebastian Vettel - the legendary German claimed his first title in 2010, driving for Red Bull at the age of 23 years and 133 days.

Having only just turned 20 back on August 25, Antonelli is set to not just beat that record, but obliterate it.