Antonelli Wins in Austin, 123 Points Clear, One Race From Title
The 20-year-old Italian crossed the line ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, but fell just short of clinching the crown in Austin, Texas.
He now holds a 123-point lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell, with the season moving on to Mexico City next weekend.
The math is simple. Antonelli becomes champion if he sheds no more than 23 points to Russell or 24 to Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in Mexico. A ninth-place finish would seal it even if Russell wins, and 10th would be enough if Hamilton takes the checkered flag. If neither Russell nor Hamilton wins in Mexico City, the title is Antonelli’s wherever he finishes.
On Sunday, Antonelli repeated the pattern that has defined much of his 2026 campaign. He shot clear of the field from the opening corner while his rivals scrapped behind him.
It was his first win since the Spanish Grand Prix last month and his ninth of the season.
The race’s fiercest fight was for second, with Verstappen and Leclerc locked in a contest that lasted the full distance.
With the title just out of reach in the US, Antonelli now has a clear chance to finish the job in Mexico City next weekend.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
