Now, here is a proper test of nerve for a young machine. Kimi Antonelli will line up in P4 for the Mexico City Grand Prix after a qualifying session where the Mercedes driver readily admitted he felt significantly more tense than usual. On a weekend that could potentially deliver his maiden World Championship, the Italian youngster was far from satisfied with his performance on track.
While his teammate George Russell fought hard for pole position and ultimately landed P2 behind Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli had to settle for fifth place. That result will become fourth on the grid thanks to a one-place penalty for Max Verstappen ahead. It was not the most straightforward outing for anyone, hampered heavily by tricky, low-grip conditions at the circuit.
It hasn't been easy, especially to keep my emotions flat, and definitely I've been a bit more tense than usual so also that played a big factor.
“It was tricky for everyone, I think,” the championship leader explained. “I just feel like I didn't do a good enough job out there and didn't have the most confidence. Definitely I've been a bit more tense this weekend than usual, but yeah, still a lot to play for tomorrow.”
Keeping his emotions in check has proven to be a massive hurdle with history beckoning. The stakes are immense: a P9 finish on Sunday will be enough to secure the title for the 20-year-old, which would make him the sport’s youngest-ever World Champion.
“I mean, it hasn't been easy this weekend, to be fair,” the driver from Italy said. “It hasn't been easy, especially to keep my emotions flat, and definitely I've been a bit more tense than usual so also that played a big factor.”
Thankfully, a quiet evening surrounded by family and friends is on the agenda to reset before the lights go out. There is still a massive job to finish, and the entire racing world will be watching to see if this stunning talent can seal the crown.
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