Austin, 26 October (H.S.): Mercedes’ Italian driver Kimi Antonelli strengthened his bid for the Formula One world championship by winning the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, moving closer to becoming the youngest world champion in the sport’s history.

The 20-year-old could clinch his maiden world title at next weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix. Starting from pole position at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Antonelli delivered a controlled performance and secured his ninth victory of the season with a one-stop pit strategy.

He crossed the finish line 13.078 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished third.

**Antonelli needs just two points to clinch the title**

Following his victory in Austin, Antonelli extended his lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell to 123 points and moved 124 points clear of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. With a maximum of 125 points available across the remaining five Grands Prix, the championship remains mathematically undecided.

After the Mexican Grand Prix, only 100 points will remain available for the rest of the season. Antonelli can secure the title in Mexico City by finishing ninth or higher, earning the two points needed to make the championship mathematically secure, irrespective of his closest rivals’ results.

Speaking after the race, Antonelli described the victory as the result the team needed and said the entire team deserved the success after its hard work. He added that he was very close to winning the championship and hoped to clinch it soon.

**Strong start helps Antonelli maintain control**

Antonelli made an excellent start and quickly established an advantage over the chasing drivers. By the end of the opening lap, he had built a lead of 2.3 seconds. Behind him, Leclerc, Hamilton and Verstappen contested the remaining podium positions.

A Virtual Safety Car period was introduced to allow debris to be cleared from the track. Meanwhile, Russell received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage while battling McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

Haas driver Oliver Bearman was handed a 10-second penalty following contact with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. Bearman later retired from the race.

**Norris fifth, Piastri seventh**

McLaren’s reigning world champion Lando Norris finished fifth, followed by Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar in sixth. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took seventh place, while Russell recovered to finish eighth despite his penalty.

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson secured ninth place, and Gasly completed the top 10 for Alpine.

Antonelli’s victory has further strengthened his position in the championship standings. Attention now turns to next weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, where the young Italian will have the opportunity to secure his first Formula One world title and potentially make history as the sport’s youngest-ever world champion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar