Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli took a significant step toward the Formula One world championship by winning the United States Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday. The victory brings the 20-year-old Italian closer to potentially securing the title at the upcoming race in Mexico.
With five races left in the season, Antonelli leads the drivers’ standings with 365 points. His teammate George Russell, who finished eighth in Austin, is second with 242 points. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, holds third place with 241 points after finishing fourth in the United States Grand Prix.
Antonelli had a chance to clinch the championship this past weekend but remains well-positioned with a strong lead heading into the next race. Reflecting on the season, he expressed a desire to maintain his current momentum and continue performing at a high level through the remaining races and into 2027. Despite being on the cusp of making history, Antonelli emphasized that his approach to racing would not change.
If Antonelli secures the championship, he will become the youngest-ever Formula One world champion and the first Italian to win the drivers’ title since Alberto Ascari achieved the feat in 1953.