AUSTIN, Texas — Kimi Antonelli won the U.S.Grand Prix on Sunday with a dominant lights-to-flag drive, putting him on the brink of becoming the 2026 Formula 1 world champion.The 20-year-old Mercedes driver fell just short of clinching the title in Texas, but he extended his already commanding lead and is on the verge of making history as F1’s youngest-ever champion in just his second season.The Italian has an excellent opportunity to lock down the title at the Mexico City race next Sunday.It was a masterful drive from Antonelli, who proved once again why he’s cruising to a world championship.James Sutton / LAT Images via GettyAntonelli on Sunday came closer to being the first Italian to win the world championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Clive Rose / GettyWith five races to go, Antonelli sits 124 points ahead of his nearest rival with a maximum of 125 points up for grabs.The race in Austin marked his ninth victory of the season.“It was the result we needed,” Antonelli said in a post-race interview.
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