Antonelli on Pole for US Grand Prix with F1 Title in Sight
Antonelli’s seventh pole of the season gives him a chance to become Formula One’s youngest champion if Sunday’s results break his way.
- On Sunday, October 25, 2026, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli can clinch his maiden Formula 1 Drivers' Championship at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, marking his first opportunity to secure the title.
- The 20-year-old Italian has dominated the 2026 season with nine victories across 17 rounds, defying pre-season expectations that initially favored Mercedes teammate George Russell.
- To clinch the title in Austin, Antonelli must win the race while teammate Russell finishes ninth or lower and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton finishes fifth or lower.
- Victory would make Antonelli the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, surpassing Sebastian Vettel's 2010 record at age 23, and Italy's first titleholder since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
- Should these results not occur in Austin, the championship battle continues to the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1, pending potential calendar adjustments due to Middle East conflict.
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F1 2026: Kimi Antonelli Takes United States Grand Prix Pole with Maiden Drivers' Title Within Reach | 🏆 LatestLY
With five rounds remaining after the United States Grand Prix, a maximum of 130 points will remain available following Sunday’s race. Should Antonelli convert his pole position into a win and outscore Russell by 24 points or more, the Italian will mathematically wrap up the 2026 World Drivers' Championship with rounds to spare. 🏆 F1 2026: Kimi Antonelli Takes United States Grand Prix Pole with Maiden Drivers' Title Within Reach.
Sydney Morning Herald
Antonelli takes pole from nowhere
Having been barely competitive all weekend, Kimi Antonelli took a stunning pole position for the US Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver finished with the best brand in Texas and will leave in the first locker during this Sunday's race, where he can stay with the champion scepter.
By JIM VERTUNO (AP) — Kimi Antonelli came to the U.S. Grand Prix with his sights set on an F1 season championship that approaches each race.
The Italian can conquer the title in the United States and become the youngest champion in history. Alonso will start 12th
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