Antonelli wins United States Grand Prix but must wait to secure title

Kimi Antonelli won the United States Grand Prix on 25 October 2026 but did not clinch the world championship, finishing ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc while leading Mercedes team-mate George Russell by 123 points.

The 20-year-old Italian has taken nine victories in the 18 races so far this season and this was his first win since the Spanish Grand Prix last month. His margin in the standings means he remains on the brink of a maiden title but must wait until the Mexico City round for a possible confirmation.

Antonelli seized control from the outset, producing a strong launch and quickly pulling clear as his rivals tangled behind him; he was more than two seconds ahead by the end of the opening lap and no competitor closed in thereafter. The decisive start left him largely unchallenged for the remainder of the race.

Tyre strategy played a significant role: Mercedes began on medium tyres while Charles Leclerc and the Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar started on new softs. Antonelli converted his tyre choice into a one-stop race as others completed two, finishing 16 seconds clear of Leclerc.

A prominent subplot was the duel for second place between Leclerc and Verstappen, which persisted throughout the Grand Prix and resulted in Verstappen taking the runner-up spot with Leclerc third. That on-track scrap occupied much of the attention behind Antonelli's dominant run.

The result also provided vindication for Mercedes' upgrade package, which had been introduced two races ago in Malaysia and initially set the team back before subsequent development improved its pace; while still demanding to extract, the new specification proved quicker than the previous one. "It was the result we needed," Antonelli said. "All this time putting work on the new package and finally seeing the result was very pleasant, perfect strategy to call the one-stop." He added on the title: "I know we are very close. We try to finish on a high and hopefully we can clinch it very soon."

Antonelli can be crowned champion in Mexico City next weekend provided he does not lose more than 23 points to Russell and 24 points to Lewis Hamilton; a ninth place would suffice if Russell wins and a 10th place would be enough if Hamilton is victorious, while he would be champion next Sunday regardless of his finishing position if neither Russell nor Hamilton wins.