Formula 1 today: Antonelli sticks with number 12, trouble at Ferrari

Andrea Kimi Antonelli wrapped up the title early for Mercedes with third place at Sunday's Mexico City GP. According to formula1.com, at 20 he is the youngest world champion in history, taking that record from Sebastian Vettel. He is also the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari. In the standings he leads on 380 points from Max Verstappen on 261.

After the race in Mexico, Antonelli revealed that he will not race with number 1 even as defending champion: “I'll stay with number 12.” The 12 means a lot to him personally and helps him stay grounded, he said, adding that he is also superstitious. Team principal Toto Wolff told formula1.com that many people had not believed in Antonelli at the start.

At Ferrari, the race is still causing debate. Lewis Hamilton started from pole. According to formula1.com, he and Charles Leclerc both went off the track at Turn 4 on the first lap. Leclerc took the lead across the grass, while Hamilton lost momentum and was passed by Verstappen. Leclerc was given a 5-second penalty for it and dropped behind Verstappen at his pit stop. In the end Verstappen won ahead of Hamilton, with Leclerc fourth.

Team principal Frédéric Vasseur was frustrated after the race that Ferrari had thrown away a potential win like that. On his drivers' conduct, he said: “it's a matter of respect”. According to Vasseur, the drivers had agreed before the race to hand back a position of their own accord in such a situation. Hamilton had already called for serious talks behind the scenes straight after the race.

George Russell has explained what cost him a shot at victory in Mexico. According to formula1.com, he got away well but then lost several places because of an energy deployment problem. Fighting for fifth place, he then made contact with Isack Hadjar and was handed a 10-second penalty. Russell had started second on the grid and finished sixth. That means he can no longer win the championship.

At Haas, Ryo Hirakawa made his race debut at short notice in Mexico. According to formula1.com, he replaced Esteban Ocon on Saturday morning, having already driven in the first free practice session. From 18th on the grid he finished tenth, scoring a point. Hirakawa called it a dream come true, though he said the start and the first lap had been tough. The team has not yet confirmed who will be in the Haas at the Brazilian GP.

The action continues at Interlagos this very weekend. The first free practice session starts on Friday at 16:30 German time, the race on Sunday at 18:00. You can find all the dates in the calendar.