Antonelli wins U.S. Grand Prix, on cusp of F1 title

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 26, 2026

Kimi Antonelli won the United States Grand Prix from pole position, extending his lead in the Formula One standings and moving close to becoming the youngest F1 champion in history at the upcoming Mexico City race. With a 123-point advantage over his nearest rivals and straightforward scenarios to clinch the title, Antonelli could secure Ferrari’s first drivers’ championship since 1953 if he finishes ahead of both Mercedes drivers next week.

Kimi Antonelli delivered a commanding performance Sunday at the United States Grand Prix, edging closer to securing the Formula One World Championship with a dominant pole-to-flag victory. The 20-year-old Italian claimed his ninth win of the season, extending his lead at the top of the standings and positioning himself to potentially become the youngest F1 champion in history at the upcoming race in Mexico City.

Starting from pole position, Antonelli surged past Max Verstappen off the line and controlled the race throughout, pulling away from his rivals on a challenging uphill left-hand switchback corner that has been a hotspot for collisions this season. Verstappen, a four-time world champion driving for Red Bull, was unable to capitalize on his start and settled into a battle with the two Ferrari drivers as Antonelli set the pace ahead.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished second, while Verstappen secured third place after winning the previous two races. Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished fourth and eighth respectively, results that delayed Antonelli’s championship clinch by at least one more race. Had either Hamilton or Russell finished lower, Antonelli would have sealed the title in Texas on Sunday.

“The car felt perfect today,” Antonelli said after the race. “Trying to have fun, hopefully fight for another win [in Mexico City]. It would be best to finish well.” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described the victory as “another small step” toward the championship during Antonelli’s victory lap.

With just five races remaining and 125 points still available, Antonelli holds a substantial 123-point lead over George Russell and 124 points over Lewis Hamilton. The scenarios for Antonelli to clinch the title are straightforward: finishing ahead of both Mercedes drivers will secure the championship. Even if Russell wins the next race and Antonelli finishes ninth, or Hamilton wins and Antonelli finishes tenth, the title remains in Antonelli’s grasp. If neither Mercedes driver wins, Antonelli will claim the championship regardless of his finishing position.

Antonelli’s potential triumph at the Mexico City Grand Prix would mark the first time an Italian driver has won the F1 drivers’ championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953, underscoring the significance of the moment for both the driver and Ferrari.

Due to his age, Antonelli is ineligible under Texas law to celebrate with the traditional victory champagne on the podium, as the legal drinking age is 21. After the race, Leclerc and Verstappen jokingly anticipated next week’s festivities in Mexico, with suggestions of tequila taking the place of champagne.

As the Formula One season approaches its final stretch, all eyes will be on Mexico City to see whether Antonelli can fulfill his bid for the championship or if the battle will extend to the remaining races in Brazil and beyond.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.