Antonelli conquers Austin GP but maiden F1 title remains just out of reach

Antonelli made an excellent start to the United States Grand Prix, maintaining the lead into Turn 1 after a clean getaway from pole position. Behind him, Charles Leclerc immediately attacked Max Verstappen, overtaking the Red Bull driver to move into second place.

Verstappen also came under pressure from Lewis Hamilton but managed to keep the Ferrari driver behind him, while Antonelli began to build an advantage at the front. However, the Dutchman fought back before the end of the opening lap, producing a superb move around the outside of Leclerc to reclaim second place and begin his pursuit of the Mercedes driver.

Further down the order, George Russell received a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage while battling Isack Hadjar. The Mercedes driver attempted to overtake the Red Bull driver at Turn 12, at the end of Austin's long back straight, but ran wide over the outside kerb.

As Russell returned to the circuit, he also made wheel-to-wheel contact with Oscar Piastri, who was alongside him on the left. The FIA stewards reviewed the incident and concluded that the Briton gained an advantage by going off track, resulting in a five-second penalty.

During the second stint, Verstappen found himself stuck behind teammate Isack Hadjar, who was running a different strategy and was yet to make his pit stop. Red Bull instructed the Frenchman to let Verstappen through, but Hadjar initially refused, arguing that he would lose valuable time by moving aside.

Hadjar eventually allowed his teammate past a few corners later, although Verstappen was far from pleased with how Red Bull handled the situation. The Dutchman made his frustration clear over team radio.

Verstappen opted for a more aggressive two-stop strategy in an attempt to challenge Antonelli, who committed to a single pit stop. Despite having fresher tyres in the closing stages, the Dutchman was unable to get within striking distance of the championship leader, who held firm to secure yet another victory this season.

After both drivers found their way past Norris, Leclerc closed in on Verstappen in the final laps, piling pressure on the Dutchman before eventually overtaking him to snatch second place.

Antonelli, meanwhile, secured another victory but was forced to wait at least another week to clinch the world championship, with Russell finishing eighth to keep his title hopes alive heading into the Mexican Grand Prix.