Antonelli conquers Austin and moves within two points of the world title

One stop delivers victory

Kimi Antonelli delivered a commanding United States Grand Prix victory to take another decisive step towards his first Formula 1 world title. Starting from pole position, the Mercedes driver completed the 56 laps in Austin 13.078 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc. Max Verstappen completed the podium, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth.

A successful one-stop strategy underpinned Antonelli’s ninth victory of the season. The Italian extended his opening stint on medium tyres before switching to the hard compound and maintaining strong pace to the finish. Ferrari and Verstappen stopped twice, but their fresher tyres were not enough to erase the leader’s advantage.

Why the title must wait until Mexico

Despite the victory, the championship celebrations were postponed. To secure the title in Austin, Antonelli needed George Russell to finish ninth or lower and Hamilton fifth or lower. They finished eighth and fourth respectively, keeping their mathematical chances alive.

Antonelli now has 365 points and leads Russell by 123. Ninth place in Mexico, worth two points, will guarantee him the championship regardless of his rivals’ results. That would make the 20-year-old Italian the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.

Antonelli’s reaction and the remaining results

Antonelli credited the team’s work on the car and its execution of the strategy for the result. After the race, he stressed that he wants to clinch the championship with a strong performance and maintain the same approach for the rest of the season.

Behind the leading four, Lando Norris finished fifth, followed by Isack Hadjar, Oscar Piastri and Russell. Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly claimed the remaining points. Valtteri Bottas’ late retirement triggered a Virtual Safety Car, but it did not threaten Mercedes’ victory.

Sources: Formula1.com · Formula1.com — reactions