Antonelli keeps focus as first F1 title chance nears

Kimi Antonelli says he will not let the prospect of a first Formula 1 drivers’ title distract him as the United States Grand Prix approaches. The Mercedes driver leads team-mate George Russell by 102 points, but insists his approach will not change.

Calendar uncertainty could change the title calculation

The numbers may shift if Formula 1 changes its schedule. Scrapping the Qatar and Abu Dhabi double-header and holding one replacement race at Imola would reduce the required margin at Austin to 100 points, based on the revised number of races remaining.

Antonelli’s position has strengthened after Singapore, where he finished third while Russell was ninth. The Italian now has 340 points to Russell’s 238, and could clinch the title at COTA or, at the latest, in Mexico City.

The prospect of a landmark title has already drawn attention, including from Kimi Raikkonen, who backed Antonelli to become the youngest F1 world champion. Antonelli, however, is keeping the focus on what happens on track rather than the milestone ahead.

Antonelli wants a reset after Singapore

Despite reaching the podium in Singapore, Antonelli felt he had not driven to his usual level. He believes a week to reset will help before returning to Austin, but stressed that results depend on delivering a strong performance.

That is the same standard he says he has set throughout the campaign: do the job well first, and let the outcome follow. His championship-focused decision at Monza offers another example of the title campaign shaping his approach, but he is not treating the approaching opportunity as a reason to relax.

With his lead already commanding, the immediate task remains straightforward: perform in Austin and let the points settle the title question.