Kimi Antonelli Wins US Grand Prix but Must Await Final Points to Seal Title
Antonelli’s dominant performance in Austin puts him within striking distance of his first World Championship, but the title will be decided at the final race.
Kimi Antonelli secured a commanding victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday, extending his lead in the Drivers’ Championship but still needing two additional points to clinch the title. The Italian‑born rookie, driving for Red Bull Racing, led from pole and built a gap of over 15 seconds before managing his tyre wear in the final stint, crossing the finish line ahead of Mercedes’ Luka Varga and Ferrari’s Marco De Luca.
Antonelli’s win marks his third Grand Prix triumph of the season, having previously won in Monaco and Singapore. The result lifts him to 298 points, just two shy of the 300‑point threshold required to secure the championship under the current points system. His nearest rival, Varga, finished second and remains 12 points behind, meaning the title will be decided at the season‑closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.Red Bull team principal Elena Rossi praised Antonelli’s composure, saying, “He showed the maturity of a champion today – fast in the opening laps, then disciplined in tyre management. We’re confident he’ll finish the season strong.” The team also highlighted the strategic call to keep Antonelli on the medium compound for the final 15 laps, a move that paid off as rivals on the softer tyre struggled with degradation.
For Indian fans, the race was broadcast live on FanCode with a 3:30 am IST start, and a replay was available later in the day. The next race, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will be held on 23 November, with a start time of 2:00 pm IST, also on FanCode. Indian viewers can look forward to a high‑stakes showdown as Antonelli aims to secure the championship on the final day of the season.
Analysts expect the final race to be a tactical battle, with tyre allocation and DRS usage likely to play pivotal roles. If Antonelli can finish within the top five, he will clinch the title; otherwise, Varga could force a dramatic finale.
Source: Reuters