Kimi Antonelli wins the US Grand Prix in Austin and sees the world title edging ever closer. Everything is postponed until the next GP in Mexico City, where the Italian Mercedes driver will only need to finish in the top nine or tenth, even if George Russell wins. He might not even score any points if Russell and Lewis Hamilton don't win. In the standings, Antonelli holds a 123-point lead over Russell, with 125 available.
Another display of strength from the Bolognese driver, who wasn't content to simply control the race but dominated it. The 20-year-old champion started from pole position and prevailed over Charles Leclerc's Ferrari and Max Verstappen's Red Bull thanks to a Mercedes strategy on the Texan circuit, which included only one tire change versus the two chasing drivers. The victory in the States, however, wasn't enough for the young Italian talent to secure the world title at the first match point: Hamilton and Russell finished fourth and eighth, respectively, difficult combinations to pull off but which had been glimpsed at certain points in the race.
"I know we're very close to winning the World Championship, but we'd like to finish on a high note. We'd like to win more races. We hope to wrap everything up soon," Kimi said after the race. Antonelli got off to a great start, quickly pulling away from Verstappen, who was immediately attacked by the two Ferraris. Leclerc engaged in a close duel with the Dutchman, who, however, held off. A few laps later, the marshals waved the yellow flags for debris on the track. Kimi remained in the lead, distancing Verstappen's Red Bull. Further back, Russell, already struggling, was given a five-second penalty for taking advantage of a track excursion. On lap 13, Verstappen pitted early for a tire change. The two Ferraris followed.
The Mercedes team opted for a one-stopper; the second Red Bull, driven by Hadjar, also opted for the same tactic. On lap 23, Russell pitted, serving his five-second penalty and rejoining in tenth place. On lap 24, it was Antonelli's turn: the Italian pitted in third. On lap 26, Hadjar also pitted. On lap 28, Verstappen was first, followed by Leclerc, Antonelli, and Hamilton; while Russell climbed to eighth place. On lap 32, Verstappen pitted for a second time. Leclerc was leading the race but held off a half-lap attack from Antonelli, who pulled away. On lap 39, Hamilton changed tires and rejoined in sixth place. Leclerc did the same, rejoining in fourth. The Ferrari driver and Verstappen set off in pursuit of Antonelli. The Monegasque driver set a series of fastest laps, but the Italian's Mercedes had a comfortable lead.
Behind the Bolognese driver, Norris's McLaren was forced to fend off attacks from Verstappen and Leclerc. The reigning world champion, however, was forced to yield to his two pursuers, who engaged in a battle for second place. In the 49th minute, the Ferrari driver overtook the Dutchman and launched a desperate chase for Antonelli, who, with seven laps to go, had a 13-second lead. The pursuit was also slowed by a virtual safety car due to the exit of Bottas's Cadillac. The final kilometers were a parade for Antonelli and his Mercedes. At the finish line, the American crowd roared in celebration.
(Unioneonline)
