Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has moved to the brink of becoming Formula One’s youngest-ever world champion after delivering a commanding victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The 20-year-old Italian started from pole position and controlled the 56-lap race at the Circuit of The Americas, finishing 13.078 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completed the podium in third place.
Antonelli secured his ninth Grand Prix victory of the 2026 season, strengthening his grip on the drivers’ championship and putting him within touching distance of a historic maiden world title.
Antonelli’s victory was built on a strong start and a well-executed tyre strategy. After retaining the lead at the opening corner, he gradually increased his advantage as Mercedes opted for a one-stop race, allowing him to manage his tyres while several rivals made two pit stops.
He crossed the finish line in 1:35:16.650, with Leclerc taking second after a late battle with Verstappen. The Dutchman settled for third, 17.485 seconds behind the winner.
Speaking after the race, Antonelli said: “It was the result we needed.”
He credited Mercedes for its work on the car and praised the team’s execution of the one-stop strategy, describing the result as a collective effort.
Antonelli’s triumph took his points tally to 365, opening a 123-point lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell, who finished eighth, and a 124-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton, who came home fourth for Ferrari.
The Italian missed the opportunity to secure the championship in Austin because Hamilton finished inside the top four, keeping the title race mathematically alive.
However, Antonelli can seal the championship at the next round in Mexico City, scheduled for October 30 to November 1, by finishing ninth or higher. He could also be crowned champion regardless of his finishing position if neither Russell nor Hamilton wins the race.
If he secures the title, Antonelli will become the youngest world champion in Formula One history, an extraordinary achievement in only his second season in the sport.
Reflecting on his championship prospects, Antonelli said he hoped to clinch the title soon and wanted to finish the season strongly.
With nine victories already recorded this season, the Mercedes youngster now heads to Mexico with history within reach, needing just a small points haul to turn his dominant campaign into a maiden world championship.
