Kimi Antonelli put on a masterclass at the Circuit of the Americas, taking pole position and converting it into a commanding race win at the 2026 United States Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver showed impressive pace throughout the weekend, particularly in the final qualifying session where he edged out Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar to claim the top spot. With only two tenths separating first from fifth on the grid, it was shaping up to be a proper battle in Austin.
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Antonelli got the jump at the start and immediately built a two-car gap to Verstappen heading into Turn 1. While he managed the lead confidently early on, the real action was unfolding behind him as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton picked off the Red Bull driver. The Ferraris showed genuine pace, with Leclerc making a brilliant pass on Verstappen through the esses to grab P2. Meanwhile, Hamilton applied pressure but couldn't quite find a way through, keeping Verstappen honest in third.
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Drama bubbled away throughout the race, particularly at Red Bull where Max Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar had a tense moment. When Verstappen caught and passed Hadjar into Turn 12, tensions flared on the radio as Hadjar protested losing race time. The pass happened regardless, showcasing the ruthless nature of competition even within the same team. Elsewhere, Oliver Bearman and Pierre Gasly tangled early on, with the Haas driver making too ambitious a late-braking attempt into Turn 1 and paying the price with a collision.
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Antonelli managed the race brilliantly to secure his latest victory, maintaining control throughout despite the intense competition behind him. The win marks another crucial points haul in what's shaping up to be a fascinating championship battle. With the championship picture becoming clearer after Austin, all eyes now turn to Mexico City where the title fight will reach boiling point.
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