Antonelli Dominates US GP to Edge Closer to Title, While Russell and Hadjar Endure Difficult Days in Austin

Kimi Antonelli delivered a commanding performance at the United States Grand Prix, converting pole position at the Circuit of the Americas into his ninth victory of the 2026 season and moving to within touching distance of a maiden Formula 1 world championship. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver led from the front throughout, with team principal Toto Wolff later revealing to Sky Sports F1 what Antonelli had told him in his office before the race, underscoring the Italian's composed and confident mindset heading into the event.

Antonelli narrowly missed out on clinching the title in Austin, but the mathematics now firmly favour him heading to the Mexican Grand Prix. Multiple outlets have outlined the various scenarios in which he could wrap up the championship in Mexico City next weekend, with the Mercedes driver described as having 'one hand on the championship' following his dominant showing.

While Antonelli celebrated, it was a far grimmer Sunday for several of his rivals. George Russell was left confused and deflated by his lack of pace, offering a blunt assessment of his own race. 'It was rubbish,' Russell told reporters, with Crash.net noting his brutal honesty after a tough afternoon.

Isack Hadjar's day was similarly frustrating. The Frenchman had recovered from what he described as a 'disaster' of a weekend to qualify on the second row for Red Bull, only for a poor start to undo his hard work. Hadjar has since called on Red Bull to redesign the clutch on the car, citing the costly getaway from third on the grid as the root cause of his ruined race, according to Motorsport.com.