Kimi Antonelli: the title is close.

The Italian Kimi Antonelli is closing in on the 2026 Formula 1 title. And, depending on the combination of results, he could finish the United States GP in Austin already as world champion. The race will take place on Sunday (10/25), starting at 5:00 PM (Brasília time), broadcast live on Sportv 3 and Globoplay. On Saturday, qualifying will be at 6:00 PM.

The World Championship will still have 5 or 6 races remaining until the end. In the first scenario, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs would be canceled and replaced by a single race in Imola, Italy. That is: after the US, 4 races and 100 points would remain at stake. As the gap between the leader Antonelli and 2nd-placed George Russell is 102 points, it would be enough for Antonelli to maintain the gap after the Austin race to become world champion. Of course, Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen could also prevent the premature title win.

In the second scenario, if the Middle East races are confirmed, after the US GP we would still have 5 rounds and 125 points at stake. To be champion, Antonelli would have to increase the gap from 102 to 125 points relative to 2nd place to leave Austin as the youngest champion in Formula 1 history.

Regardless of Antonelli’s chances, the race could offer excellent competition between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. On one hand, Hamilton has the most victories in Austin (5) – he also has a victory in Indianapolis – while Max, for his part, won 4 times between 2021 and 2025, a streak interrupted only in 2024 by Charles Leclerc. Ferrari is expected to race in Austin with a new floor, allowing for a slightly different setup. If approved, it will be used for the rest of the season.