Kimi Antonelli demonstrated his title-winning prowess with a thumping victory at the United States Grand Prix but his coronation as champion was put on ice.
The 20-year-old delivered everything he needed to in his first shot at becoming the youngest Formula One champion in history by converting his pole position into a resounding win in Austin – crossing the line 13.0 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc.
For the title to be wrapped up, the Italian needed major slip ups from his rivals. Lewis Hamilton extended the championship race by finishing fourth and George Russell just about did his bit despite only managing a disappointing eighth.
Antonelli will head to Mexico City next week with a whopping 123-point lead over Russell, with Hamilton a point further back. A finish of ninth or higher will seal the title, no matter where his rivals finish. He leapt from his Mercedes and launched himself into the arms of his mechanics for the ninth time in this dominant season.
Driver standings after United States GP
1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 365 points
2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 242 points
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 241 points
4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 236 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 233 points
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 211 points
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 144 points
8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) - 105 points
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 77 points
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 42 points
11. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 38 points
12. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 27 points
13. Ollie Bearman (Haas) - 23 points
14. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 13 points
15. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 10 points
16. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 7 points
17. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 7 points
18. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 7 points
19. Alex Albon (Williams) - 5 points
20. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls) - 1 point
21. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 0 points
22. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 0 points
23. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 0 points
Constructor standings after United States GP
1. Mercedes - 607 points
2. Ferrari - 474 points
3. Red Bull - 355 points
4. McLaren - 355 points
5. Racing Bulls - 102 points
6. Alpine - 69 points
7. Haas - 30 points
8. Audi - 23 points
9. Williams - 12 points
10. Aston Martin - 7 points
11. Cadillac - 0 points
What is the 2026 race calendar?
ROUND 19 - MEXICO
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City - 30 October-1 November
ROUND 20 - BRAZIL
Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo - 6-8 November
ROUND 21 - LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas Street Circuit - 19-21 November
ROUND 22 - QATAR
Lusail International Circuit - 27-29 November
ROUND 23 - ABU DHABI
Yas Marina Circuit - 4-6 December
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