Kimi Antonelli delivered a commanding victory at the United States Grand Prix, but his first Formula One drivers' championship celebrations were put on hold. The 20-year-old Italian converted pole position into a dominant win in Austin, finishing 13.0 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc.
Title Race Extended
Antonelli needed major slip-ups from his rivals to wrap up the title in Texas. Lewis Hamilton kept the championship race alive by finishing fourth, while George Russell managed eighth. The young Italian now heads to Mexico City with a 123-point lead over Russell, with Hamilton a further point behind. A finish of ninth or higher will secure the title regardless of his rivals' results.
Antonelli leapt from his Mercedes into the arms of his mechanics for the ninth time this season. Leclerc claimed second for Ferrari, making a late move on Max Verstappen, who completed the podium. Lando Norris finished fifth for McLaren using a one-stop strategy.
Race Decided Early
Antonelli had said it would take something "catastrophic" from his rivals to clinch the crown in Texas, but he knew winning was required. He needed Russell to finish ninth or lower and Hamilton fifth or lower. After taking pole on Saturday, with Hamilton fifth and Russell sixth, his chances improved.
At the start, Antonelli blasted off the line, leaving Verstappen behind. Leclerc jumped both Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, while Hamilton rose to fourth. The Ferrari pair battled before Leclerc moved ahead of Verstappen, who then reclaimed second. Antonelli led by 2.4 seconds at the end of the opening lap.
Penalty and Strategy
Russell was investigated for leaving the track and staying ahead of Oscar Piastri, receiving a five-second penalty. Verstappen pitted first on lap 14, followed by Hamilton and Leclerc, but Antonelli, on medium tyres, stayed out. Russell pitted and served his penalty on lap 24, rejoining eighth, before Antonelli pitted a lap later and rejoined third on fresher tyres.
Verstappen led before pitting again with 25 laps remaining, as Antonelli passed Leclerc to lead once more. Leclerc and Hamilton stopped again in the final 16 laps, with Hamilton needing to make up places. He passed Hadjar and then Norris on lap 47, rising to fourth, as Antonelli cruised to victory out front.
