One hand on the drivers title as Antonelli wins at COTA

Kimi Antonelli will head to the Mexican Grand Prix needing a finish of ninth or better to the the 2026 drivers title after a strong win at the Circuit of the Americas in the United States Grand Prix.

The 20 year old Italian held his nerve in a strategy heavy race to lead Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at the Texas circuit, converting his sixth pole position to victory, taking him to nine for the season.

The race start saw the Italian streak clear of the pack as Verstappen scrapped with Leclerc and his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton before settling back into second place early on.

Verstappen committed early to a two stop race, along with Leclerc, Hamilton and Russell while the McLaren’s of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as well as Verstappen’s teammate Isack Hadjar committed to a one stop, followed by Antonelli.

As the strategies played out, Antonelli dropped to fourth and cycled back to the lead, with Norris - for a short time - the metaphorical cork in the bottle for Verstappen, Leclerc and Hamilton.

By the end, and after the threat of a late safety car when Valtteri Bottas’ Cadillac engine gave out, Antonelli led Leclerc and Verstappen over fhe line, with Hamilton in tow. Norris and Piastri followed in fifth and seventh, with Hadjar sandwiched between in sixth. George Russell came home eighth after a early 5 second penalty for gaining an advantage. Liam Lawson capped a fine weekend in ninth for VCARB while Pierre Gasly took the final point tenth for Alpine.

Austin is the first of a triple header, and the series races again at Mexico City next week.

📸Image credits: Formula Motorsport Limited