From pole, Antonelli steamrolled the United States Grand Prix, marking another massive leap toward an F1 title.
The Mercedes rookie notched his ninth triumph of 2026, tightening his grip on the championship that’s been within reach for months.
When will the 20‑year‑old finally seize the crown and become F1’s youngest champion?
How many drivers can still capture the 2026 title?
Heading into Austin, six drivers remained mathematically alive: Antonelli, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, with a 139‑point spread and 150 points still up for grabs.
Verstappen, Leclerc and Norris have now slipped out after third, second and fifth place finishes – solid, yet their title hopes evaporated. In my view, Antonelli’s consistency dwarfs theirs.
For Antonelli to clinch at COTA, he needed a win while Russell fell to ninth or lower and Hamilton to fifth. Russell finished eighth and Hamilton’s rival Ferrari driver took fourth, so the battle rolls on to Mexico.
How Antonelli could become world champion at Mexico GP
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
With five races left – Mexico, São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi – 125 points remain, assuming the Middle Eastern events proceed despite the conflict.
Russell trails Antonelli by 123 points and Hamilton by 124, making the Italian virtually assured of the title at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. After that race, 100 points stay on the table, but the rivals must stay within 99 points because Antonelli leads in wins, meaning a countback would secure him.
Thus Russell must outscore Antonelli by 24 points and Hamilton by 25. Russell would need a victory with his teammate outside the top ten, while Hamilton requires a win and Antonelli to score zero.
Photos from F1 United States GP – Sunday
Will Mexico deliver the decisive showdown that crowns Antonelli champion?
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– The Team