Kimi Antonelli dominates in Austin but must wait for F1 title

Kimi Antonelli controlled the United States Grand Prix from pole to claim his ninth win of the season, but the result was not enough to clinch the championship. The Mercedes driver beat Charles Leclerc by 13.078 seconds at the Circuit of the Americas on October 25 and can now secure the title at next weekend’s Mexico Grand Prix.

Antonelli needs just two more points to become Formula 1’s youngest world champion, aged 20. The prospect has drawn backing from former champion Kimi Raikkonen, who has endorsed Antonelli’s chances of making history.

Antonelli’s one-stop plan withstands the pressure

Antonelli kept the lead at the start as Max Verstappen lost ground with a slow getaway. Leclerc seized the opportunity, passing Isack Hadjar before moving ahead of Verstappen through the Esses.

Red Bull tried to unsettle Mercedes’ strategy by bringing Verstappen in on lap 14 for soft tyres. Mercedes stayed with its one-stop approach, with Antonelli switching from mediums to hards at his stop on lap 25. Verstappen later made a second stop after reporting engine-braking trouble, dropping behind the leading group.

The differing strategies shaped the fight behind Antonelli. Verstappen had to pass Lando Norris before he could challenge for second, while Leclerc’s fresher tyres brought the Ferrari into contention. Verstappen took second from Norris on lap 47, but Leclerc passed both men to claim the position two laps later.

Antonelli, meanwhile, had built enough of a cushion to keep control. He finished 13 seconds ahead of Leclerc, with Verstappen a further four seconds back in third. For more on the tactical choices that shaped the race, see our United States GP strategy guide.

Hamilton takes fourth as Russell salvages points

Lewis Hamilton finished fourth after passing Norris on lap 51. Norris, who had also attempted a one-stop race, took fifth. Hadjar was sixth, ahead of Oscar Piastri and George Russell, who had received a five-second penalty for going off track while defending on the opening lap.

Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly completed the points positions. Oliver Bearman, Franco Colapinto and Valtteri Bottas retired. Antonelli leaves Austin on the brink of the title, but the championship will have to wait until Mexico at the earliest.