Kimi Antonelli wins US Grand Prix and edges toward F1 title

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on Sunday, marking his ninth victory of the season. Starting from pole position, the 20-year-old Italian executed a one-stop strategy to cross the finish line ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who placed second, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished third. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell finished fourth and eighth respectively, results that were insufficient to prevent Antonelli from nearing the championship title.

Antonelli is now on the verge of becoming the youngest-ever Formula One champion. Following his dominant performance in Texas, he requires only two points—a ninth-place finish—at the upcoming race in Mexico City next weekend to mathematically secure the title. The Italian driver noted that the team deserves the result and expressed his ambition to conclude the season on a high note by clinching the championship soon. The victory provides a significant cushion for Antonelli as the season enters its final four rounds.