Kimi Antonelli Poised to Become Mercedes' Number One Driver, Says Christian Horner

Kimi Antonelli is on track to become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, positioning himself as a potential number-one driver for Mercedes, surpassing George Russell.

The 20-year-old currently leads Russell by 102 points with six races left in the season, and he could secure the championship in Austin. Antonelli has achieved this remarkable feat in just his second year in F1, with 14 podium finishes, including eight victories.

Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull, commented on Antonelli's performance, suggesting that his success on the track justifies his status within the team. Horner noted that teams often face challenges in balancing driver priorities, referencing historical examples from his tenure at Red Bull and other teams.