NewsWPLG Local 10October 24, 2026Miami-Dade County
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli earns pole position for the US Grand Prix
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli earned a surprise pole position for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, positioning himself to potentially clinch the Formula 1 season championship. Antonelli edged out Red Bull's Max Verstappen during Saturday qualifying, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton also secured spots near the front of the starting grid for Sunday's race.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
A victory for the 20-year-old driver on Sunday, combined with specific lower finishes by his teammates, could make him the youngest Formula 1 champion in history with six races remaining in the season.
Key Facts
- Kimi Antonelli earned a surprise pole position for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.
- Max Verstappen qualified behind Antonelli, securing second place on the starting grid.
- Lewis Hamilton will start the race in fourth position, and George Russell will start in sixth position.
- If Antonelli wins the race and his closest rivals finish behind specific thresholds, he can clinch the Formula 1 season championship.
- Antonelli leads George Russell by 102 points and Lewis Hamilton by 111 points in the season standings.
- Race officials deleted more than 200 lap times across Friday's two practice sessions due to drivers struggling to keep cars on the track.
- Cadillac reserve driver Colton Herta participated in Friday practice to earn points toward an F1 super license, holding at least 38 of the 40 required points.
Who's Mentioned
PersonGeorge Russell“Mercedes driver starting sixth in the US Grand Prix”OrganizationFerrari“Formula 1 racing team”PersonLewis Hamilton“Mercedes driver starting fourth in the US Grand Prix”PersonSergio Perez“Current driver for Cadillac”OrganizationCircuit of the Americas“Racetrack hosting the US Grand Prix”PersonCharles Leclerc“Ferrari driver competing in the US Grand Prix”PersonValtteri Bottas“Current driver for Cadillac”locationTexas“State where the race is held”PersonMax Verstappen“Red Bull driver who qualified second for the US Grand Prix”PersonKimi Antonelli“Mercedes championship leader and pole sitter for the US Grand Prix”OrganizationMercedes“Formula 1 racing team”locationAustin“Host city for the United States Grand Prix”PersonLogan Sargeant“Former F1 driver dropped by Williams”OrganizationWilliams“Formula 1 racing team”PersonColton Herta“Cadillac American reserve driver participating in practice sessions”OrganizationCadillac“Formula 1 racing team”OrganizationRed Bull“Formula 1 racing team”