Austin: Kimi Antonelli moved closer to becoming Formula One’s youngest world champion after securing his ninth win of the season at the United States Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver started from pole position at the Circuit of the Americas and made a strong getaway to take control at the first corner, leaving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to battle the two Ferrari drivers.
Charles Leclerc finished second, more than 14 seconds behind Antonelli, while Verstappen took third place. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, while Mercedes teammate George Russell came home eighth, keeping the championship battle alive for at least another race.
Antonelli could clinch the title at next week’s Mexico City Grand Prix, where a ninth-place finish or better would be enough to seal the championship.
The 20-year-old is bidding to become the youngest world champion in F1 history and the first Italian to win the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
“It was a result we needed, the whole team deserve it so much,” Antonelli said after the victory.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff congratulated the youngster over the team radio, describing the win as another small step towards the title.
Antonelli said the team would aim to finish the season strongly and clinch the championship soon.
