Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the US Grand Prix in Austin on October 24, 2026, putting the Mercedes driver in position to potentially clinch the Formula One drivers' championship in Sunday's race.

US Grand Prix qualifying results

Antonelli set a fastest lap of 1 minute 34.035 seconds, beating Red Bull's Max Verstappen by 0.179 seconds. It was the Italian's seventh pole of the season and his first in eight races.

Isack Hadjar qualified a career-best third for Red Bull, followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Mercedes driver George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton.

What Antonelli needs to clinch the title

The 20-year-old leads teammate Russell by 102 points. He will secure the championship in Austin if he wins, Russell finishes outside the top eight and Hamilton finishes outside the top four.

Antonelli said qualifying was difficult because of gusty, unpredictable winds. He also acknowledged Verstappen's pace, saying the race would not be easy.

Next milestone

The US Grand Prix race is scheduled for Sunday, October 25.

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