Kimi Antonelli took a significant step towards the Formula One world championship by clinching victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver now leads the drivers’ standings with 365 points, positioning himself as a strong contender to secure the title in the upcoming race in Mexico.
With five races remaining in the season, Antonelli holds a commanding lead over his closest rivals. His Mercedes teammate, George Russell, is in second place with 242 points, followed closely by Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, with 241 points. The Austin race saw Russell finish eighth, while Hamilton managed a fourth-place finish, further cementing Antonelli’s advantage.
Despite not being able to clinch the championship in Austin, Antonelli remains optimistic about his chances. He expressed his desire to finish the season on a high note and carry forward his momentum into 2027. Antonelli emphasized that even though he is on the brink of making history, his approach to racing will remain consistent.
Should Antonelli secure the championship, he will become the youngest-ever world champion in Formula One history. Additionally, he would be the first Italian to win the drivers’ title since Alberto Ascari achieved the feat in 1953, marking a significant milestone for Italian motorsport enthusiasts.