Teenager Kimi Antonelli ruled the Circuit of the Americas with a commanding US GP win, yet the world championship celebration will have to wait.
Kimi Antonelli put on a statement performance in Austin, taking victory at the United States Grand Prix with a display of control that belied his age. The teenager was the class of the field at the Circuit of the Americas and made the win look far more routine than it should for someone so young.
The result moved him a big step closer to the sport's ultimate prize, but not quite over the line. Despite the dominant showing in Texas, the world championship is not yet mathematically his, so any celebrations will be pushed back to a later round.
Still, the way he won will be what the paddock talks about. Austin is a demanding track, with its sweeping opening sequence, heavy braking zones and tricky rhythm through the esses. Antonelli handled all of it with composure, the kind of maturity usually associated with drivers many years into their Formula 1 careers.
The title chase now rolls on. Antonelli will arrive at the next race with momentum, confidence and a championship within reach, while his rivals will need something special to stop him from sealing it.
