Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff hails Kimi Antonelli for a performance that takes him within touching distance of the title.

His class performance aside, in some ways the Italian's rivals almost did the job for him. Teammate, George Russell, who needed to finish ninth or lower - assuming Antonelli won the race - actually crossed the line in eighth, while Lewis Hamilton, who needed to finish fifth of lower, took the flag in fourth.

Nonetheless, Toto Wollf needed no convincing in terms of who was the star of the show.

"On Kimi's side, obviously that is the main headline," the Austrian told reporter in the moments after the race. "For me, that's the best race that he's delivered so far.

"Getting off the start with the inferior tyre and then controlling it at all times," he added. "The race of a champion who isn't the champion yet, but exceptional.

"I think he's outperformed the car," he admitted. "Maybe it's a bit harsh to say, but I think his driving style just glues with the car."

This time last year, some were questioning Wolff's decision regarding the teenager, who had experienced a dramatic mid-season lack of form, feeling he had been brought to F1 too early.

Then, like now, Wolff stands by his decision.

"The development of nine years, the hardship over nine years, the integration of the team, the working with the engineers, the ten or more spent millions in the development of his career, of his ability, of his character together with his parents... it's not that it landed like this," said the Austrian.

"There are many people that said last year after nine races without points, he shouldn't be in a Mercedes," he continued. "People in other teams that said he shouldn't even be in Formula 1.

"All of that now is extremely satisfying... to see what he's able to deliver. How he's working with the team, with Bono and yielding the results.

"It wasn't an easy road, so I'm happy that, like you say, 99.9%. He still needs to finish the race in Mexico.

"So it's either going to be a big tequila party," he smiled, in reference to Antonelli securing the title next week in Mexico, "or if it's not a tequila party, then it's going to be Caipirinha the weekend afterwards."

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