United States Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli stands on brink of history in Austin

A title within reach

Antonelli can clinch the championship at the United States Grand Prix if he wins on Sunday, Russell places lower than eighth and Hamilton finishes below fourth. The Mercedes driver has a 102-point lead over Russell and is 111 points ahead of Hamilton.

If he becomes champion, Antonelli will be 20 years and 61 days old. That would make him more than three years younger than current record-holder Sebastian Vettel, who won his first title aged 23 years and 133 days in 2010.

Pole brings renewed momentum

His pole came as a surprise after Ferrari drivers and Max Verstappen had looked among the likely contenders. Verstappen entered the final qualifying session with high hopes, but said his grip disappeared.

Keeping the weekend relaxed

Before the weekend, Antonelli said he would stick to the same approach he had used all year: taking one race at a time. He acknowledged that the circumstances felt different, but said he could enjoy driving more.

His father, Marco, is usually with him at grands prix, and Antonelli brought other people along this weekend. He said they play cards in the evenings, adding that doing fun things helps him relax before focusing fully on the track.

A season turned around

Antonelli’s first season in 2025 was shaky, with flashes of promise amid a generally disappointing campaign. He had been described as a potential generational talent before his debut.

The championship now appears likely to come his way sooner or later, though Sunday’s result will determine whether he secures it immediately. Max Verstappen urged him to enjoy the season’s experience and said the moment to celebrate would come when the title became official.