Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero has sent an encouraging message to Kimi Antonelli ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, urging the Mercedes driver to embrace the excitement of potentially becoming Formula 1 world champion rather than allowing the pressure to overwhelm him.

Antonelli heads into Sunday's race with the opportunity to become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history at just 20 years old. The Italian holds a commanding advantage over his remaining title rivals, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, and could secure the championship with four races still to spare.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, former Juventus and Italy captain Del Piero drew comparisons between Antonelli's situation and his own experiences of competing for major trophies, suggesting that youth could work in the Mercedes driver's favour.

"I think that at such a young age, enthusiasm and adrenaline take over more than worries, because these are the first times you have the opportunity to win something big, as was the case for me back then and for Kimi today," Del Piero explained.

Photo: Race Pictures

"Of course, they are two rather different sports and the situations are slightly different. When you play in a final, you have a lot to win, but also an awful lot to lose."

Del Piero, who won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy, believes Antonelli's substantial championship lead gives him an advantage when it comes to handling the occasion.

"From that perspective, Kimi comes into this in a slightly more comfortable position because he built up an advantage beforehand. Nevertheless, I believe and hope that the enthusiasm, the desire and all the positive aspects of this moment will prevail."

The former footballer concluded with a particularly direct message for his compatriot, encouraging him to put any pre-race nerves aside: "If you didn't sleep well the night before, who cares? Go out there, do what you have to do and win this title."

What does Antonelli need to become F1 world champion in Mexico?

Antonelli enters the Mexican Grand Prix with 365 championship points, 123 ahead of Mercedes teammate Russell and 124 clear of Ferrari's Hamilton. With only 100 points available across the final four races after Mexico, the Italian is within touching distance of his maiden title.

A ninth-place finish would be enough to guarantee Antonelli the championship, regardless of where Russell and Hamilton finish. The two points would extend his advantage over Russell to at least 100, with Antonelli's superior number of victories ensuring he would prevail on countback even if the pair eventually finished level on points.

The 20-year-old could also become champion without scoring. If he finishes outside the points, neither Russell nor Hamilton can win the race if they want to prevent him from securing the title. A tenth-place finish would also be sufficient unless Russell takes victory.

Antonelli will start Sunday's race from fourth on the grid after benefiting from Max Verstappen's one-place penalty. His two remaining championship rivals will line up directly ahead of him, with Hamilton on pole position and Russell second.