How Kimi Antonelli can become F1 world champion at the United States GP

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli can secure the 2026 Formula 1 world championship at the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin. Antonelli holds a 102-point lead over teammate George Russell with six rounds remaining following his third-place finish in Singapore. To seal the title in Texas, Antonelli must win the race while Russell finishes ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton finishes fifth or lower, which would make him the youngest champion in F1 history at age 20.

Antonelli must conclude the weekend with an advantage of at least 125 points to guarantee the championship on count-back of race wins. If Antonelli finishes second or lower, or if Russell places eighth or higher, the title fight will continue to Mexico. Six drivers remain mathematically in contention, including Russell, Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and reigning champion Lando Norris.