Antonelli can clinch F1 title with ninth-place finish

Kimi Antonelli can secure the Formula One drivers’ championship at the Mexican Grand Prix by finishing ninth or better, a result that would make the Mercedes driver the sport’s youngest champion and Italy’s first since 1953. The title remains undecided ahead of the race in Mexico City. The 20-year-old arrives after winning the United States Grand Prix in Austin, his ninth victory of the season. The published championship scenario gives him enough points to clinch the title with a ninth-place finish, regardless of his rivals’ results. He could also become champion without scoring if neither of the only two other drivers still in contention, teammate George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, wins. Hamilton and Russell are reported to trail Antonelli by 124 and 123 points, respectively, with 125 points still available. Hamilton has said Antonelli deserves the title and praised Mercedes’ decision to promote him into the seat Hamilton left. The seven-time champion said Antonelli had handled the expectations of a top team well and needed no advice. Antonelli has won nine of 18 races this season. In his most recent 11, he recorded nine podium finishes, a fifth place and a 15th-place result,...