Kimi Antonelli admitted on Thursday that he needs to have a ‘perfect weekend’ at the United States Grand Prix to realise his dream of winning a maiden drivers’ world championship.

Mercedes’ 20-year-old Italian could become the youngest champion in F1 history 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 would also need seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari to finish outside the top four.

"If you think about it, it’s crazy,” said a smiling and relaxed Antonelli, speaking to reporters at a news conference at the Circuit of the Americas.

“For me, it needs to be a perfect weekend and the others they need to do a poor result, which is unlikely.

"Of course, anything can happen and it’s crazy to think about it. We had a meeting this morning and we said ‘just have fun’ so we’re in the same mindset that I’ve had all year.

"So, we go one race at a time and I just try to do my best every weekend and then we’ll see.”

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who vacated his seat at Mercedes for Antonelli when he moved to Ferrari, warmly praised him for his talent and his general demeanour.

Asked, as a multiple champion, if he had any advice to give the young Italian who is on the brink of glory, Hamilton smiled and said: “Slow down!”