Kimi Antonelli wins F1 world title: The six races that proved pivotal

Kimi Antonelli has become Formula One’s youngest world champion after finishing third in Mexico City.

Here, the Press Association looks at the races which proved pivotal in his march to the title.

China

After title favourite George Russell started the season in fine fashion with victory in Melbourne, to hint at a dominant title charge in the grid’s standout car, Antonelli made his mark in China.

Russell landed the sprint win but Antonelli truly arrived in F1 with his first pole and backed it up with a maiden victory, leading his team-mate home by five seconds.

Monaco

Once Antonelli got a taste of winning there was no stopping him. His win at F1’s most famous race – where he became the youngest to succeed around the streets of the principality – was his fifth in a row as he surged into the championship ascendancy.

Belgium

After three races without success – including Lewis Hamilton’s maiden Ferrari win in Barcelona – Antonelli was back on top at Spa and it was a significant championship swing. His title rivals Russell and Hamilton collided on the opening lap, with Russell eliminated from the race and Hamilton handed a five-second penalty.

Antonelli saw off Charles Leclerc to clinch the win and stretch his lead to 45 points ahead of Hamilton and 50 to Russell.

Italy

Antonelli secured one of the most famous F1 victories on home soil as he completed an extraordinary comeback drive from the back of the grid.

Antonelli, who was way down the order after a grid penalty, took advantage of a favourable strategy, an explosive new engine and a demonstration of passing excellence, to become the first Italian in 60 years to win in Monza.

United States

The 20-year-old put one hand on the trophy with a dominant win in Austin. Banishing doubts over Mercedes’ upgrade, Antonelli soared to pole and then romped to victory by 13 seconds over Charles Leclerc.

As testament to his dominance, Russell trudged home in eighth – the bare minimum he needed to mathematically extend the title race – as the champagne was put on ice. But Antonelli now needed just two points to get over the line.

Mexico City

Antonelli needed to finish only ninth in Mexico to secure the crown. Starting from fourth on the grid, following a kiss from mother Veronica, he kept his nose clean during a chaotic start and maintained his composure at the high-altitude circuit – despite a red-flag and a second race start – to secure third place and become the first Italian to win the championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.