F1 United States Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli wins but title stays open

One tyre stop proves enough

Mercedes kept Antonelli on a one-stop strategy—one pit stop to change tyres—while Verstappen and Leclerc stopped twice. Antonelli started on medium tyres and switched to harder, longer-lasting tyres on lap 25, rejoining fourth. The longer first stint left him able to regain the lead without another stop.

Verstappen’s second stop on lap 32 left Leclerc leading, before Antonelli passed Leclerc at Turn 12 to regain first place. Leclerc stopped again on lap 40 and later overtook Verstappen for second, but could not catch Antonelli.

The Race said Mercedes chose not to give Antonelli fresh tyres during a late virtual safety car, which temporarily slowed the field so Bottas’s Cadillac could be recovered. Antonelli stayed on track and completed the race without a second stop. The Race judged that the slowdown probably helped Verstappen hold third against Hamilton’s late challenge.

Verstappen also suffered engine-braking problems—trouble with the engine’s contribution to slowing the car—the Guardian said.

What Antonelli needs in Mexico

Hamilton’s fourth place and Russell’s eighth kept both mathematically in contention, Motorsport Week said, putting Antonelli’s lead at 123 points with 125 still available. The outlet described Mexico City as the likely place for him to become Italy’s first drivers’ champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Antonelli leads Russell by 123 points and Hamilton by 124. The Guardian says his nine wins guarantee him the title on countback—the comparison of race wins used to separate drivers tied on points—so a 100-point lead after the Mexican Grand Prix would be enough.

At the next race in Mexico, finishing ahead of both Russell and Hamilton, or finishing ninth or better regardless of their results, would secure Antonelli’s first championship, the Guardian says. At 20, he would become the youngest Formula 1 world champion.