Mercedes’ Antonelli earns surprise pole for U.S. Grand Prix as he chases F1 title
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured a surprise pole position for the U.S. Grand Prix, putting him in a strong position to potentially clinch the F1 season championship. He will start ahead of Max Verstappen in a race that could make him the youngest champion in the sport's history.
Why it matters
This race represents a pivotal moment in the Formula 1 season, with significant historical implications for the sport's record books.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Kimi Antonelli came to the United States Grand Prix with his eyes on a Formula 1 season championship getting closer with every race. On Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas, he’ll have the clearest view possible of the path to get there. And it could come fast. Mercedes’ championship leader earned a surprise pole position on Saturday, edging Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. If he can turn that into a victory, and his closest rivals falter, the 20-year-old Italian could win the season title and become F1’s youngest champion ever. Verstappen was the favorite for pole. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton looked faster than Mercedes through all three practice sessions. Then Antonelli put in a late-afternoon wonder lap at COTA to earn his first pole position since Belgium, a span of seven races.. “It was surprising,” Antonelli said.
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
Kimi Antonelli Wins United States Grand Prix to Near Championship
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18 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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