Every milestone Kimi Antonelli could surpass if he clinches the F1 championship in Austin

What changes with the title and what remains?

At 20 years and 61 days old during the Austin event, the Mercedes driver will eclipse Vettel’s record by more than three years. The German achieved his first championship title in 2010 in Abu Dhabi at 23 years and 134 days old. Antonelli would also be the first driver born in the 2000s to win the championship. Lando Norris, the latest champion, was born in 1999.

Antonelli would also mark Italy's first championship winner since Alberto Ascari, who captured his title 73 years ago. He would become only the third Italian to win an F1 championship, following in the footsteps of Nino Farina in 1950 and Ascari in 1952 and 1953. He would be the first Italian champion not driving for an Italian team.

A victory in Austin would bring his career total to nine wins, four shy of Ascari’s Italian record of 13.

He is not the first to triumph in his second season; Hamilton did it in 2008 and Jacques Villeneuve in 1997. Farina achieved it in his inaugural season in 1950.

Antonelli has already set several records this year. He became the youngest polesitter in China, taking over Vettel's previous record. He also became the youngest championship leader at the Japanese Grand Prix at just 19 years and 216 days old. His win at Monza marked the first Italian victory there in six decades.

Vettel, despite the possibility of losing his record, expresses excitement for Antonelli: “I’d be very happy for him. He’s had an incredible year, and there’s the old saying that records are meant to be broken. He still has a lot of years ahead of him to do so.”

“I love the sport, so as a spectator, it’s very thrilling. I’d wish for the others to return and be more competitive, but I’m somewhat independent and pleased for them because I know how much effort goes into achieving it. And whoever wins will truly deserve it.”