Kimi Antonelli: Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton praise Mercedes driver ahead of first F1 2026 title win chance at United States GP

Antonelli looks all but assured to succeed Norris as F1's reigning world champion this year thanks to the 102-point lead he holds at the top of the standings with six races left.

The 20-year-old could become the sport's youngest-ever champion as early as this Sunday's United States Grand Prix if he wins the race and nearest challengers Russell and Lewis Hamilton do not score sufficient points to stay in mathematical contention.

And Norris, who claimed his own maiden crown with McLaren last year, has spoken glowingly about Antonelli's second season of F1 up against the "very good" Russell.

"I think it's very impressive what he's been able to do," said Norris.

"At his age, his second year in Formula 1, he's going to be the youngest world champion ever. It's pretty incredible, especially because, I wouldn't say he had a bad first season in Formula 1, he was against George, who I think is very good and has performed very well, especially in the last year [at Mercedes in 2024] against Lewis.

"For him to take quite a huge step from last year to this year, in terms of optimising things and understanding how to drive this year's car, more than other people as well.

"Dealing with the pressure, the lack of mistakes that have come from him, in both qualifying and races, the consistency to beat his team-mate.

"I rate George and I think he's a very good driver, but Kimi has been two levels above George the whole season. He's done a pretty incredible job and I'm sure the world knows that. I don't need to say it, I think it's obvious enough."

Mercedes made the then-18-year-old Antonelli the sport's third-youngest driver in history when they promoted him to the seat vacated by the Ferrari-bound Hamilton, F1's most successful-ever driver, from the 2025 season.

Asked in Austin on Thursday if he had any advice for Antonelli as his successor closes on the title, seven-time champion Hamilton quipped: "Slow down!

"No, I don't know. He doesn't need any advice. I think he's shown this year, and also last year, but particularly this year, his talent and his ability, his calmness and his approach.

"He's done an amazing job this year, and I'm so proud of him. I'm so proud of the way he's carried himself, how he interacts with the drivers and even with you guys.

"It's great to see him and the team excel. If it's not my team, I'd always want to see my old team do well."

'Crazy if you think about it' - but Antonelli not thinking about title win yet

Although it has become a question in recent races of when and not if Antonelli will win this year's championship, the mathematics required for him to do so as early as Sunday evening in Austin are not in his own hands.

Antonelli would clinch the title if he claims his ninth race victory of the season and Russell finishes ninth or lower and Hamilton fifth or lower. That exact three-way result has not happened once in a race so far this season.

"I mean, it definitely is crazy if you think about it, but that's why I won't think about it," said Antonelli.

"I've heard that something catastrophic needs to happen to the others for me to become champion. For me, it needs to be a perfect weekend. The others need to have a poor result, which is unlikely to happen.

"So, of course, anything can happen, and it's crazy to think about it. But, as I said, we had a meeting with Bono [Peter Bonnington, Antonelli's race engineer] this morning, and we just said, 'Just have fun.' It's always the same mindset I've had all year: one race at a time. 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."

The Italian is aware of the significance of what almost-certainly awaits him at some point in the forthcoming weeks, but is focused on making it a reality first.

"I mean, it would be a dream. It's something I've dreamt of since I was little," he added.

"First of all, to find myself in such a position is incredible. But at the same time, I need to keep going, keep pushing, and it's not over yet.

"So first, we'll try to finish the job properly, and then we can enjoy the rest. But, for sure, it would be an incredible achievement, but there's still a bit to go."

Thursday October 22 6.25pm: F1 Academy Practice 8pm: Drivers' Press Conference 10.30pm: F1 Academy Qualifying 11.10pm: Paddock Uncut

Friday October 23 6pm: United States Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 6.30pm)* 8pm: The F1 Show 9.45pm: United States Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 10pm)* 11.50pm: F1 Academy Race 1*

Saturday October 24 6.15pm: United States Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 6.30pm) 8.30pm: United States Grand Prix Qualifying build-up* 10pm: UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING* 12am: F1 Academy Race 2* 12.45am: Ted's Qualifying Notebook*

Sunday October 25 5pm: F1 Academy Race 3 6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: United States GP build-up* 8pm: THE UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX* 10pm: Chequered Flag: United States GP reaction 11pm: Ted's Notebook

Formula 1 heads to The Americas for another triple-header with the United States Grand Prix in Austin up first this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime