Verstappen Victory in Mexico Could Seal Antonelli's World Title

Max Verstappen could play kingmaker in Andrea Kimi Antonelli's quest for the world championship at the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix. A victory for the Dutchman in Sunday's race—or indeed a win for anyone other than George Russell or Lewis Hamilton—will secure the title for the young Italian regardless of his own finishing position. Interestingly, Verstappen also took victory on both occasions when Hamilton sealed the championship on Mexican soil.

Antonelli heads into the weekend with 365 points, boasting a commanding 123-point lead over Russell and a 124-point cushion over Hamilton. The Italian prodigy could wrap up the title by finishing as low as 10th if Russell fails to win, or even without scoring a single point, provided neither of his pursuers takes the top step of the podium. Although out of championship contention himself, Verstappen finds himself at the center of the weekend's high-stakes narrative.

Verstappen's History of Winning When Titles Are Decided in Mexico

The Dutch ace has notched five career wins at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez—triumphed in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023—making it the most successful venue of his career. In 2017, Hamilton clinched the crown with a ninth-place finish following an early tangle with title rival Sebastian Vettel, which paved the way for Verstappen's victory.

History repeated itself a year later when the Red Bull driver dominated once again, and a fourth-place finish was more than enough for Hamilton to join Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher as only the third driver in Formula 1 history to secure five world titles.

The Mexican circuit boasts a storied history of title-deciding races. Before Hamilton, John Surtees in 1964, Denny Hulme in 1967, and Graham Hill in 1968 all secured world titles here. Hamilton remains the only driver to have clinched the championship at this venue twice.