Kimi Antonelli is close to becoming the first Italian Formula One champion in 73 years, the Associated Press and Sky Sports report. He can seal the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.

Sky Sports reports a top-nine finish on Sunday will make the Mercedes driver champion. At 20, he would be the youngest champion in the sport's history. Sky Sports reports he would beat Sebastian Vettel's record by three years.

The last Italian champion was Alberto Ascari, who won with Ferrari in 1953, the AP reports.

Antonelli has won nine races this season, Sky Sports reports. He has had the upper hand on his Mercedes teammate George Russell for most of the year.

It is a big turnaround. Antonelli struggled in his rookie year in 2025. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff recalled him in tears at the Belgian Grand Prix after he was knocked out of the first round of qualifying.

"All of that now is extremely satisfying to see what he's able to deliver," Wolff said. He said Antonelli still needs to finish the race. "It's either going to be a big tequila party," he joked.

Wolff believes this year's all-new cars helped the young driver. "All new for everyone this year," he said.

The AP looks at why Italy waited so long. Italy was the center of racing when the championship began in 1950. But money problems drove most Italian teams out, leaving Ferrari as the only real Italian contender. The AP reports Italian fans have long backed Ferrari as a team rather than Italian drivers. It also reports Antonelli was turned down by Ferrari as a child before he joined Mercedes.

What we know: A top-nine finish in Mexico City would give Antonelli the title.
What we don't: Whether he will clinch it on Sunday or later in the season.