Kimi Antonelli can make Formula One history at the United States Grand Prix by becoming the sport's youngest ever world champion. The 20-year-old Italian leads the 2026 drivers' standings on 340 points heading into the round at Austin.
His Mercedes team-mate George Russell is second on 238 points, while Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton holds third with 229 points.
Record within reach
If Antonelli secures the title this weekend, he will eclipse Sebastian Vettel as the youngest champion in F1 history. Vettel has held the milestone since 2010, when he won his maiden title at the age of 23 years and 134 days.
Austin marks round 19 of the 24-race 2026 calendar, leaving exactly six rounds including the United States Grand Prix and five remaining after Sunday. With a maximum of 125 points available across those final five Grands Prix, Antonelli can mathematically seal the championship before the paddock heads to Mexico.
What must happen
Antonelli would need a lead of at least 125 points after Sunday's race to be crowned Mercedes' first champion since 2020 this weekend. That means he needs to win the race, with Russell finishing ninth or lower and Hamilton finishing fifth or lower.
