Summary
Kimi Antonelli is on the brink of making history as he approaches the Mexican Grand Prix, where he could become Formula One's youngest world champion at just 20 years old. With a dominant season behind him, Antonelli needs only to finish in a position that allows him to secure enough points against his competitors, including teammate George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. The atmosphere in Mexico City is electric as fans anticipate the potential crowning of a new champion, marking a significant moment for Italian motorsport, which has not seen a homegrown champion since 1953.
Former F1 champion Damon Hill praises Antonelli's composure and maturity, noting that despite the immense pressure, he remains focused and relaxed. Hill emphasizes that Antonelli's success is not just about his driving skills but also about the strong support system around him, including his family and team. The commentary team reflects on the challenges of the circuit, which is situated over 2,000 meters above sea level, presenting unique difficulties for drivers and teams alike.
As the teams prepare for the race, the discussion shifts to the competitive landscape of the current season. While Antonelli has showcased remarkable talent, the team acknowledges that he has faced limited competition, particularly from his teammate Russell. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of Antonelli's potential victory for young drivers in Formula One, highlighting a shift towards recognizing and nurturing talent at a younger age.
With free practice sessions underway and the excitement building, the team looks ahead to the race, speculating on strategies and potential outcomes. The consensus suggests that Antonelli's journey is just beginning, and if he clinches the championship, it could be the start of a remarkable career in Formula One.
Show Notes
With Kimi Antonelli on the brink of making history, Harry, Marc and Jennie look back at how the young Italian has reached this point. They hear from 1996 world champion Damon Hill and three other world champions whose exclusive club Antonelli could join on Sunday night. Italian journalist Roberto Chinchero tells us what it would mean back home, and Arvid Lindblad joins the pod for his final regular catch-up of the season.
More from F1: Chequered Flag
Kimi Antonelli will have to wait a little longer to be crowned world champion. His victory in Austin wasn’t quite enough to wrap up the title. Guenther Steiner and Damon Hill join Rosanna Tennant to unpack a relatively uneventful race, discuss the afternoon’s main talking points and look ahead to Mexico.
Can Kimi Antonelli turn pole position into a world championship? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Rebecca Clancy and Harry Benjamin to look back at qualifying in Austin. We hear from Antonelli and Max Verstappen, and the team make their predictions on whether Kimi will be crowned world champion on Sunday.
Will Kimi Antonelli be crowned Formula 1 world champion in Austin this weekend, or will the title celebrations have to wait? Rosanna Tennant is joined by Jolyon Palmer, Andrew Benson and Harry Benjamin to assess the Italian’s chances, and we hear from the man himself. We also discuss Max Verstappen’s resurgence as he chases a third consecutive Grand Prix victory, and examine the tensions at Ferrari after Lewis Hamilton squandered a likely podium finish in Singapore. Plus, Haas driver Ollie Bearman drops by for a chat about life in F1, his future and his former team-mate Antonelli’s remarkable rise to the top.
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner sits down for an in-depth chat with Rick Edwards around the release of his memoir ‘Drive'. Horner details why he was sacked last year, what would bring him back to F1 and whether he misses the sport.
Harry Benjamin speaks to F1 Academy championship leader Alisha Palmowski about her season and her hopes of securing the title in Austin. Alisha looks ahead to the next step in her career and also offers her thoughts on Kimi Antonelli’s rapid rise. Pierre Gasly looks back on nearly a decade in Formula 1, from his debut in Malaysia to his Monza victory and pole position. He discusses Alpine’s upward trajectory, adapting to life at the front of a team and the lessons he would pass on to his younger self. Plus, the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson reacts to the news that Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal to host races in the African country, starting "in the early 2030s".