Sport · India Bureau
Antonelli closes in on F1 championship with dominant US Grand Prix victory
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured his ninth win of the season at the Circuit of the Americas, moving to the brink of becoming Formula 1's youngest champion. The 20-year-old can clinch the title at next week's Mexico City Grand Prix.
LSN India ·
Kimi Antonelli dominated the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, extending his commanding lead in the Formula 1 championship race with a ninth victory of the season at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Starting from pole position, the Mercedes driver controlled the race to finish ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who crossed the line more than 14 seconds adrift in second place. Red Bull's Max Verstappen completed the podium in third position.
The result proved decisive in the title battle, as Antonelli's closest rivals faltered. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton finished fourth while Mercedes' George Russell, currently second in the championship standings, could only manage eighth place. The gap between Antonelli and his pursuers has widened considerably, putting the teenager on the verge of clinching the drivers' championship at the next race in Mexico City.
"It was a result we needed, the whole team deserve it so much," Antonelli said following his victory. At just 20 years old, the Italian driver is poised to become the youngest champion in Formula 1 history if he secures the title in Mexico.