Antonelli takes Austin pole with F1 title within reach

Kimi Antonelli took pole position for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, putting the Mercedes driver in a position to clinch his first Formula 1 world title if he wins Sunday’s race and Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finish outside specified places.

The 20-year-old Italian beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 0.179 seconds. Isack Hadjar qualified third, ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Hamilton, while Russell was sixth.

Antonelli can become champion on Sunday if he wins, Hamilton finishes lower than fourth and Russell lower than eighth. Hamilton has already qualified fifth, so one of those conditions is met; Russell’s sixth place means the title outcome still depends on the race.

Antonelli said he had not expected pole, his first since the Belgian Grand Prix in July. “We got pole so we will try to win tomorrow but Max has been very quick and Isack did an incredible job so it is not going to be easy,” he said.

The result came after Ferrari topped all three practice sessions. Verstappen had looked strong in the second part of qualifying, but said he lacked grip and balance in the final session. He will start alongside Antonelli on the front row.

Hamilton was 0.044 seconds slower than Leclerc. Russell finished 0.441 seconds behind Antonelli, with the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris next. Norris had a lap deleted for a track-limits infringement.