How Kimi Antonelli can win the F1 world title today

Kimi Antonelli has the opportunity to make Formula One history today by becoming the sport's youngest ever world champion.

Current driver standings: Kimi Antonelli leads the Formula One 2026 drivers’ standings heading into the United States Grand Prix on 340 points. His Mercedes team-mate George Russell sits in second place on 238 points, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton holds third with 229 points.
Youngest champion ever: If he secures the title this weekend, the 20-year-old Italian will eclipse Sebastian Vettel to become the youngest world champion in F1 history. Vettel has held the milestone since 2010, when he won his maiden title at the age of 23 years and 134 days.
Remaining races: Austin marks round 19 of the 24-race 2026 calendar, leaving exactly six rounds including the United States Grand Prix and five remaining after Sunday. With a maximum of 125 points available across those final five Grands Prix, Antonelli can mathematically seal the championship before the paddock heads to Mexico.
Championship permutations: Antonelli would need a lead of at least 125 points after Sunday’s race to be crowned Mercedes' first champion since 2020 this weekend. That means he needs to win the race, with Russell finishing ninth or lower and Hamilton finishing fifth or lower.