Kimi Antonelli, 20, admitted on Thursday that he needs to have a ‘perfect weekend’ at the United States GP to win maiden drivers’ world title.

The Mercedes driver could become the youngest F1 champion, and the first from Italy since Alberto Ascari in 1953, if he wins Sunday’s race and nearest rival and teammate George Russell fails to finish in the top eight. He’d also need Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton to finish outside the top four.