Antonelli eyes US Grand Prix win as he nears F1 championship

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli entered the United States Grand Prix in Austin with a mathematical chance to tie the Formula 1 World Championship. To clinch the title, Antonelli must win the race, have teammate George Russell finish outside the top eight and Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton finish lower than fourth.

"It's crazy if you think about it, but that's why I won't think about it," Antonelli said, adding that a perfect weekend for him and a poor result for his rivals would be required for a championship.

Antonelli, who has won eight of 17 races this season and leads Russell by 102 points and Hamilton by 111, said his focus is on doing his best each weekend. "Just try to do the best I can every race weekend and then we'll see," he said, noting that a victory in Austin could put him 125 points ahead of any competitor, securing the title and making him the youngest champion in F1 history.

Rivals, including McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Haas’s Oliver Bearman and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, praised Antonelli’s progress in his second season. Former Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who ceded his seat to Antonelli after moving to Ferrari, said the young driver “doesn't need any advice” and commended his talent, calmness and professionalism.

The season still has six races left, but the final two events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi face uncertainty due to ongoing Middle-East tensions and the upcoming U.S. mid-term elections. Drivers expressed caution, with Williams driver Carlos Sainz noting that the situation could change quickly and that the sport must remain flexible.

Formula 1 officials have received assurances about safety for the Middle-East races, while also preparing a backup venue in Imola, Italy, should the Abu Dhabi round be cancelled.