Antonelli Leads US GP as Youngest Title Hope Hangs on Final Race

UPDATE - follow-up to United States Grand Prix: Formula One – live: Kimi Antonelli, the 9‑year‑old Mercedes rookie, kept his pole lead and opened a 2.1‑second gap after the first lap at Austin.

Race Progress

Lap 1: Antonelli got a clean start, Verstappen struggled for power, Leclerc moved to third and Hamilton to fourth. Lap 2 saw debris and a virtual safety car; Antonelli’s lead grew to 2.1 seconds, Max Verstappen may have brushed the debris but no damage was reported. Lap 3: Russell was sixth and still needed to finish outside the top eight for Antonelli’s title hopes. Lap 4: Isack Hadjar, who qualified third, fell to fifth after the Ferraris passed him on the opening lap. Lap 5: Verstappen began closing, cutting Antonelli’s lead to 2.5 seconds. Lap 6: Russell is under investigation for leaving the track and gaining an advantage while battling Oscar Piastri. Tyre choices: Antonelli started on medium tyres; Verstappen, Hadjar and the Ferraris on softs. Grid change: Lance Stroll will start from the pit after setup changes.

Title Implications

Antonelli leads the championship by 102 points over teammate George Russell. He can become the youngest world champion if he wins today, Russell finishes outside the top eight and Lewis Hamilton ends outside the top four. Hamilton, starting fifth, said he hopes for a podium but expects a tough fight. Verstappen said turn one is “not as important as in Singapore.” Beau Dure joked about Gabriel Bortoleto’s 80‑place penalty, suggesting he start in El Paso. The weather is dry, around 28 °C (82 °F). Constructors points see Mercedes first with 578, Ferrari second with 444, McLaren third with 339.

Context

The United States Grand Prix is the final round of the 2026 season, meaning the championship will be decided today. Young drivers like Antonelli are making history, while established stars fight to protect their positions.