From the start, all signs pointed to Kimi Antonelli clinching the 2026 F1 crown after a dominant Mercedes season.
The 20‑year‑old vaulted from a shaky rookie year to five straight victories from round two through six, making him the season’s benchmark.
Now his first chance to seal the title looms in Austin, where he enjoys a 102‑point lead over teammate George Russell.
Should he lock it up at the United States Grand Prix, Antonelli would win with five races to go—just one shy of Michael Schumacher’s 2002 record.
Here’s the roadmap to the championship. For my money, his momentum is unstoppable.
How many drivers can still win the 2026 F1 title?
Andrea Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes; Charles Leclerc – Ferrari; Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing.
Even with the title looking clear, six drivers remain mathematically alive thanks to the 150 points still up for grabs in 2026.
Antonelli, Russell, Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc and Norris all retain a shot, with 139 points separating the top six.
| Position | Driver | Points | Gap to top |
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | 340 | N/A |
| 2 | George Russell | 238 | 102 |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | 229 | 111 |
| 4 | Max Verstappen | 221 | 119 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | 215 | 125 |
| 6 | Lando Norris | 201 | 139 |
How Antonelli could become F1 world champion at the US GP
A race win yields 25 points and five rounds follow Texas, so Antonelli needs at least a 125‑point cushion to clinch. He already boasts eight victories, Russell trails with three, meaning a win‑countback could decide it.
The simplest path: Antonelli wins the US GP while Russell finishes ninth or lower, creating a 125‑point gap and handing Antonelli the title on countback.
If Russell lands tenth, Antonelli must still win to seal the championship; any finish eighth or better for the Brit would push the fight to Mexico in October.
| If Antonelli finishes… | Russell must finish… |
| 1st | 9th or lower |
| 2nd or lower | Title fight goes to Mexico |
Hamilton stays alive only if he loses fewer than 14 points in Austin. Should Antonelli win, Hamilton needs at least fourth; if Antonelli is second, the seven‑time champion must finish seventh or higher.
| If Antonelli finishes… | Hamilton must finish… |
| 1st | 5th or below |
| 2nd | 8th or below |
| 3rd | 10th or below |
| 4th or below | Title fight goes to Mexico |
Verstappen, fresh off two wins, would be eliminated if Antonelli outscored him by six points or more.
A victory for Antonelli in Texas would end Verstappen’s hopes outright; even a second place for Antonelli would drop the Red Bull star out if he finishes fourth or lower.
| If Antonelli finishes… | Verstappen must finish… |
| 1st | 2nd or below |
| 2nd | 4th or below |
| 3rd | 6th or below |
| 4th | 7th or below |
| 5th | 8th or below |
| 6th | 9th or below |
| 7th | 11th or below |
| 8th | Title fight goes to Mexico. Will the championship finally shift to a new generation? |
Against Leclerc and Norris, Antonelli simply must not lose any points to them, which would knock both out of contention.
The data aligns with the current calendar, ending with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
Photos from the Singapore GP – Sunday
We want your opinion!
Let us know what you’d like to see on.
Take our 5 minute survey.
– The Team