KIMI ANTONELLI is on the brink of winning the Formula One World Championship with five races remaining of the 2026 season.
The Italian can become the youngest winner in the history of the sport, surpassing , who soared to the title at the age of 23 for Red Bull.
have been dominant under the new regulations this year, winning 11 of the 17 races so far.
And Antonelli has been the driving force after claiming top spot in nine of those wins – older teammate has managed just three.
The Silver Arrows look certain to take the Constructors’ title too, sitting 134 points ahead of with six races remaining.
It would be the first time they will win the teams’ award since 2021, when won the drivers’ award over in controversial fashion.
How can Kimi Antonelli win the F1 World Championship this weekend at United States GP?
Kimi Antonelli can clinch the title this weekend in Austin, but needs multiple things to fall in his favour.
He is currently 102 points ahead of teammate Russell in the standings with six races to go, but can extend that tally today if he wins.
Antonelli needs to win.
This is the only thing he has some control over this weekend, and so the only thing he will be worrying about as he heads to Texas.
In his rookie season last term, Antonelli only managed a 13th placed finish at the Circuit of the Americas, while Max Verstappen romped to the chequered flag ahead of eventual champion Lando Norris.
If Antonelli can win in America, he also needs two things to happen.
Lewis Hamilton to finish in P5 or lower.
Hamilton sits 111 points adrift of Antonelli in third place in the standings – finishing in fifth or worse would guarantee he cannot catch him for the rest of the season.
Assuming the seven-time world champion does not mount a historic comeback to steal the crown, it would extend his wait for an eighth world championship to six seasons.
George Russell to finish P9 or lower.
This is perhaps the toughest thing that needs to fall Antonelli’s way.
Russell, in the same car as Antonelli, would need to have a disaster weekend as he attempts to mount a late title charge.
If Antonelli does not win the championship this weekend, his next chance would be at Mexico City next weekend.
F1 Drivers’ Standings
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 340 points
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 238 points
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 229 points
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 221 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 215 points
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 201 points
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 138 points
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) – 97 points
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