US Grand Prix result: Kimi Antonelli wins in Austin but has to wait to seal title
Antonelli takes control early
Antonelli seized the lead at the start. A close first-lap battle between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc helped him build a gap of more than two seconds by the end of the lap.
Mercedes started on medium tyres. Leclerc and the Red Bull drivers Verstappen and Isack Hadjar began on new soft tyres.
Title decision moves to Mexico
Antonelli’s victory leaves the championship undecided until next weekend in Mexico City. He will be champion if his points loss to Russell stays within 23 and his loss to Hamilton stays within 24. If neither Russell nor Hamilton wins, Antonelli will secure the title whatever his finishing position.
Mercedes upgrade delivers result
The race offered encouragement for Mercedes’ upgrade package, introduced two races earlier in Malaysia after it had initially set the team back. Antonelli called the win the result the team needed. He said the work on the new package had finally paid off and praised the one-stop strategy.
Key points
- Antonelli won the United States Grand Prix in Austin but did not clinch the title.
- He can become champion in Mexico City next weekend under the stated points conditions.
- If Russell and Hamilton both fail to win, Antonelli takes the title regardless of his finish.
- Mercedes’ upgrade package and one-stop strategy helped deliver the victory.