Formula One's new era: Kimi Antonelli rules the standings headed into Canadian GP

At just 19 years old, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli heads to Montreal as the youngest championship leader in F1 history. Photo: AFP

Kimi Antonelli goes into the Canadian Grand Prix on a high most Formula One drivers never get to taste.

To be the youngest championship leader in the sport’s decorated history must come with its own responsibilities. But Antonelli has a secret weapon in his corner, Pete “Bono” Bonnington — the Mercedes engineer that guided Lewis Hamilton to consecutive world titles.

Now the young Italian has Bono backing him and the results speak for themselves. At just 19- years old, Antonelli arrives in Montreal carrying the momentum of a driver who suddenly looks like the real deal in F1’s new era.

Three consecutive wins in China, Japan, and Miami have catapulted the Mercedes youngster to the top of the standings, while also turning him into the hottest name in the paddock.