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Kimi Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli Wins US Grand Prix in Austin but Title Still Up for Grabs

Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli clinched a dramatic victory at the United States Grand Prix, yet the World Championship remains undecided heading into the final race.

Kris Gupta, Founding Editor

• 1 min read
Formula 1 car at speed under floodlights with light trails
AI-illustrated | Pitlane Press India

Italian driver Kimi Antonelli secured a stunning win at the United States Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday, marking his first Formula 1 victory and the first for a rookie since 2016. Antonelli, driving for the Red Bull‑powered Scuderia Aurora team, out‑paced the field in the final laps, crossing the finish line ahead of seasoned rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

The triumph was celebrated across the paddock, with the young driver receiving a hero’s welcome on the podium. However, the win does not automatically crown him World Champion. The championship battle remains open, with three points separating Antonelli from his nearest challenger, Verstappen, after the race. Both drivers will head to the season‑closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with the title still in contention.

Antonelli’s performance in Austin was a masterclass in tyre management and race‑craft. After qualifying third, he stayed within striking distance of the leaders, capitalising on a late‑race safety car to execute a perfect pit‑stop strategy. His overtaking manoeuvre into Turn 12 on the final lap secured the lead, a move praised by former drivers and analysts alike.

For Indian fans, the race was broadcast live on FanCode with a start time of 22:30 IST. The channel also offered a pre‑race analysis show featuring former Indian F1 commentator Armaan Kohli, who highlighted Antonelli’s rise through the junior categories. The next and final round in Abu Dhabi will also be shown on FanCode, beginning at 02:00 IST on Sunday, giving Indian viewers a chance to catch the championship climax.

Looking ahead, both Antonelli and Verstappen will need to maximise every point in the desert showdown. The Red Bull‑powered Aurora team will hope to replicate the Austin strategy, while Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing will rely on its proven pace and experience. The outcome will determine whether the season ends with a new champion or a continuation of Verstappen’s recent dominance.

Source: Reuters

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Pitlane Press India is an independent, fan-made publication. It is unofficial and not associated in any way with Formula 1, the FIA, or the Formula One group of companies. “F1” and “Formula 1” are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, used here editorially to refer to the sport.