Kimi Antonelli's wait for maiden F1 title extended despite winning United States Grand Prix

The 20-year-old delivered everything he needed to in his first shot at becoming the youngest Formula One champion in history by converting his pole position into a resounding win in Austin – crossing the line 13.0 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc.For the title to be wrapped up, the Italian needed major slip ups from his rivals. Lewis Hamilton extended the championship race by finishing fourth and George Russell just about did his bit despite only managing a disappointing eighth.Antonelli will head to Mexico City next week with a whopping 123-point lead over Russell, with Hamilton a point further back. A finish of ninth or higher will seal the title, no matter where his rivals finish.He leapt from his Mercedes and launched himself into the arms of his mechanics for the ninth time in this dominant season.Leclerc claimed second for successive weeks after an impressive race for Ferrari, making a late move on Max Verstappen who completed the podium.Kimi Antonelli is right at home on the top step of the podiumAFP/GettyLando Norris made a one-stop strategy work to claim fifth for McLaren.Antonelli believed it would take something “catastrophic” from his rivals for him to clinch the crown in Texas, but knew winning the race was required for his end of the bargain.Read MoreHe then needed Russell, whose faint title challenge has evaporated over recent races, to finish ninth or lower and Hamilton to be fifth or lower.Part one of Antonelli’s job was done on Saturday as he soared to a magnificent pole as the sun began to drop on the Circuit of the Americas. With Hamilton only fifth and Russell sixth, his chances of getting over the line increased.If the Italian was feeling any nerves as he sat on the grid waiting for his shot at history, he certainly did not show them as he blasted off the line and left Verstappen in his wake.The Dutchman was swallowed up by the fast-starting Leclerc, who also jumped Isack Hadjar, while Verstappen then had to fend off Hamilton who rose to fourth. The Ferrari pair went wheel-to-wheel before Leclerc’s magnificent move on Verstappen.Kimi Antonelli left Max Verstappen for deadAFP/GettyThe four-time world champion was soon up to speed and rocketed up the inside of Leclerc to reclaim second but Antonelli had already checked out – 2.4 seconds ahead at the end of the opening lap.Russell’s role in the celebration-delaying picture was hampered as he was investigated for leaving the track and staying ahead of Oscar Piastri – with whom he banged wheels as he rejoined.A five-second penalty was dished out to the Mercedes man. In a race fraught with jeopardy, Russell and Hamilton were now both on the cusp of handing Antonelli his crowning moment.Verstappen was the first to pull the trigger on a pit stop on lap 14, swiftly followed by Hamilton and Leclerc but Antonelli – who started on the more durable medium tyres – and Mercedes chose not to respond.Russell pitted and served his penalty on lap 24, rejoining a net eighth before Antonelli pitted a lap later and was now a net third – on much fresher tyres than those ahead.New race leader Verstappen was showing strong pace, while Hamilton was promoted to fourth when Hadjar boxed.The Dutchman pitted for a second time with 25 laps remaining, as Antonelli charged through on Leclerc to lead once more.Leclerc and Hamilton stopped again in the final 16 laps, rejoining fourth and sixth – with the British driver needing to make up two places to ensure he kept Antonelli from the trophy.He dispatched Hadjar swiftly but Norris had done a magnificent job on a one-stop strategy. The reigning champion – about to yield his crown – was reeled in on lap 47 by Verstappen and Leclerc, and Hamilton rose to fourth the following lap.All the action was taking place behind Antonelli, who marched on serenely out front.Antonelli has been the standout performer of the 2026 season and will be crowned a worthy champion over the coming weeks, fittingly shining brightest once again in the Lone Star State.