Kimi Antonelli moved to the brink of his first Formula One drivers’ championship with a commanding victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday. The Mercedes driver led Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari and Max Verstappen’s Red Bull across the finish line at the Circuit of the Americas, taking his ninth grand-prix win of the 2026 season. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth for Ferrari, while Mercedes teammate George Russell came home eighth, leaving Antonelli two points from securing the title.
The championship can now be decided at next weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City. Antonelli will become champion if he finishes ninth or higher, regardless of where Russell and Hamilton finish.
Antonelli’s victory was built around a one-stop strategy. He maintained the lead after the opening lap and managed the harder tyre compound through the closing stages, while Verstappen’s Red Bull made two stops. Leclerc secured second after passing Verstappen late in the race, which ran for 56 laps.
The result was especially significant for Mercedes after the team had worked to resolve problems with recent car upgrades. Team principal Toto Wolff called the victory another step toward the championship, while deputy team principal Bradley Lord praised the work of the pit wall and strategists.
Verstappen’s afternoon was complicated by several problems and by Red Bull’s tactical choice. He complained over team radio about the car’s pace, tyre selection, pit stop and engine braking. Despite failing to clinch the championship in Austin, Antonelli leaves Texas with the title within reach and a clear target for the next race: finish inside the top nine and complete the job.