Kimi Antonelli gave another masterclass in the US Grand Prix with a composed confidence that defies his young age. Although he was unable to win the Formula One world championship in the Texas sunlight, the coronation was undoubtedly only postponed for a week. The 20-year-old has made closing the deal practically a formality.
Antonelli’s commanding win at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, where he defeated Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari to take second place and Max Verstappen’s Red Bull to take third.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | United States Grand Prix |
| Race Winner | Kimi Antonelli |
| Team | Mercedes |
| Second Place | Charles Leclerc, Ferrari |
| Third Place | Max Verstappen, Red Bull |
| Fourth Place | Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari |
| Fifth Place | Lando Norris, McLaren |
| Key Strategy | Mercedes used a one stop strategy |
| Main Highlight | Antonelli's race control and tyre management |
Antonelli’s performance in Austin, when he accomplished everything expected of him and turned pole position into a commanding race victory—his tenth of the season—was a prime example of such leaps. Wolff accurately described it as “the race of a champion who isn’t the champion yet.”
Even if the Italian had a fantastic weekend, it was insufficient to win the championship in Texas. With his colleague George Russell placing ninth and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton placing fourth, the race is still very much alive, and Antonelli is now in a position to complete the task.
Antonelli Dominates with Perfect One Stop Strategy
Again, Antonelli had his measure and was virtually unbeatable in a race that was really only made exciting by a split strategy, but it was not an exciting triumph in what was kind of a stately affair.
Red Bull and Ferrari chose a two-stop approach, while Antonelli and Russell’s Mercedes chose a one-stop approach, which turned out to be the correct one. Antonelli took the lead right away, and after a lengthy initial stint while his opponents rushed in for fresh boots, he was able to retake the advantage without stopping once again.
Antonelli Shines as Verstappen Finishes Third
Leclerc, who was similarly courageous and finished in second position, followed Verstappen, who used his fresher rubber to sprint through the pack in the late stages.
Despite having issues with his engine brakes, Verstappen placed third. Lando Norris finished fifth for McLaren, and Hamilton also made a late pass to win fourth.
