KIMI Antonelli strengthened his grip on the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship with a commanding victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, but the Mercedes driver will have to wait at least another week to secure the title.

The 20-year-old Italian converted pole position into his ninth Grand Prix victory of the season at the Circuit of The Americas, finishing 13.078 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen completing the podium.

Antonelli controlled the 56-lap race with an impressive drive and a one-stop pit strategy that proved decisive against rivals who opted for two stops. His victory further underlined his consistency during a season in which he has emerged as the leading contender for the drivers' crown.

The Mercedes driver made a clean start to retain the lead into the first corner, while Verstappen initially lost ground before recovering to challenge for the podium. Leclerc also remained in contention and eventually secured second place with a late move past the Red Bull driver.

Verstappen had to settle for third, while Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton finished fourth to add valuable points to the Italian team's championship campaign.

Reigning world champion Lando Norris crossed the line fifth for McLaren, followed by Isack Hadjar in the second Red Bull and Oscar Piastri in the other McLaren.

George Russell endured a difficult afternoon in the second Mercedes, finishing eighth after receiving a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage while battling Piastri.

Liam Lawson finished ninth for Racing Bulls, while Pierre Gasly claimed the final points-paying position for Alpine.

There were three retirements, with Valtteri Bottas, Franco Colapinto, and Oliver Bearman failing to finish.

Antonelli leads the drivers' standings with 365 points, holding a 123-point advantage over Russell and a 124-point lead over Hamilton. With five races remaining after Austin, the Italian is on the verge of becoming the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.

He needs only a ninth-place finish or better in Mexico City to guarantee the championship, regardless of Russell's result.

Russell's eighth-place finish and Hamilton's fourth place in Austin prevented Antonelli from sealing the title in the United States, setting up another potentially historic weekend in Mexico.

The result also kept the constructors' championship contest in focus, with Ferrari continuing to collect valuable points as it attempts to close the gap to Mercedes.

For Antonelli, however, the immediate priority will be to maintain his momentum and complete what has become a remarkable championship campaign.

Victory in Austin moved him one step closer to the ultimate prize, with the opportunity to make history awaiting him in Mexico City.