AUSTIN - 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 team-mate 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!”