Kimi Antonelli is only 20 years old, and he’s already getting dangerously close to becoming a Formula 1 world champion.
The Mercedes driver won the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, October 25.
And it wasn’t exactly a close finish.
Antonelli crossed the line more than 13 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completing the podium.
The victory marked Antonelli’s ninth Grand Prix win of the season, strengthening his position at the top of the championship battle.
From ole position to the podium.
Starting at the front of the grid, Antonelli controlled the race after a strong opening lap.
While his competitors dealt with different strategies and tire changes, Mercedes committed to a one-stop approach.
That decision allowed Antonelli to maintain his advantage and manage his tires through the final stages of the race.
Even a late Virtual Safety Car wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
After 56 laps, he crossed the finish line with another victory added to his increasingly impressive season.
But while the result brought him closer to the championship, there’s one important detail.
Antonelli hasn’t officially secured the 2026 Drivers’ Championship yet.
There are still points available in the remaining races, meaning the title isn’t mathematically decided.
The next big name if Formula F1?
Antonelli’s rise is particularly interesting because he’s competing at an age when many drivers are still trying to establish themselves in junior racing categories.
Instead, he’s winning Grands Prix and fighting for Formula 1’s biggest individual prize.
His performance in Austin also continues Mercedes’ strong season, with the team finding consistency in both race pace and strategy.
For a generation of F1 fans following younger drivers and their rivalries, Antonelli’s championship campaign is becoming one of the sport’s biggest stories.
Nine wins in one season at 20 years old?
That’s a remarkable achievement, regardless of how the final championship standings look.
