Antonelli wins Austin, extends F1 lead to 123 points over Russell

Kimi Antonelli secured his ninth victory of the season at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, moving decisively toward the Formula One world championship. The 20-year-old Italian led the United States Grand Prix from start to finish, crossing the line in 1:35:16.650.

Charles Leclerc of Monaco finished second, 13.078 seconds behind Antonelli. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing took third, 17.485 seconds behind the winner. Verstappen, who won four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024, is now mathematically out of contention for the 2026 crown.

Strategy determined the outcome over the 56-lap race. While rival teams executed two pit stops, Antonelli remained on track until Lap 25. He made a single stop and never returned to the pit lane. "It was a perfect way to end the weekend; it was an incredible team effort, especially from strategy to believe in me and go for one stop," Antonelli said.

A Virtual Safety Car triggered on Lap 52 when Valtteri Bottas's Cadillac stopped on the track. The car remained in effect until the penultimate lap. By that point, no driver was positioned to challenge Antonelli for the win.

Antonelli now leads Mercedes teammate George Russell by 123 points with five races remaining. Russell must win the next race in Mexico City to remain in contention. If he fails to do so, the championship will be awarded to Antonelli. Mercedes also widened its lead in the constructors' standings to 133 points over Ferrari, holding 607 points to Ferrari's 474.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff described the performance as Antonelli's best race to date. "Getting off the start with the inferior tyre and then controlling it at all times. The race of a champion who isn't the champion yet, but exceptional," Wolff said. He noted that Antonelli has outperformed the car and that his driving style suits the machine well.

The next race is scheduled for Mexico City. The calendar concludes in November with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.