Antonelli Dominates Austin, Leclerc Near-Perfect in Texas

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, extending his winning streak to nine this season.

Charles Leclerc finished second, with Max Verstappen third for Red Bull.

At just 20 years old, Antonelli has the opportunity to become Formula 1’s youngest world champion if he finishes ninth or higher at the Mexico City Grand Prix next weekend.

Kimi Antonelli – 10/10

Antonelli delivered a masterful performance under the immense pressure of his first championship-contending opportunity. He set an exceptional pole position lap and orchestrated a flawless race strategy, converting a one-stop approach while many rivals required two stops.

Charles Leclerc – 9.5/10

Leclerc came within reach of a flawless weekend. He topped both Friday practice sessions, qualified fourth, and drove a strong race to finish second, executing decisive late overtakes on Norris and Verstappen.

Max Verstappen – 8.5/10

Verstappen was quick throughout the weekend and secured a front-row start, but a poor start complicated his race. He recovered effectively despite car issues to secure a sixth consecutive podium finish.

Lewis Hamilton – 7.5/10

Hamilton turned in another strong performance, though he was consistently behind his teammate Leclerc. He was fastest in final practice and qualified closely, then recovered to fourth place following Ferrari’s two-stop strategy.

Lando Norris – 8/10

Norris showed strong recovery skills from eighth on the grid, though qualifying could have been better having a fastest Q3 lap deleted for track limits. McLaren’s strategy to keep him out on older tyres ultimately cost him positions late in the race.

Isack Hadjar – 8.5/10

Hadjar delivered an impressive recovery after struggling early with the Red Bull in practice. He qualified third and drove strongly to sixth place, despite throttle mapping issues and yielding to his teammate Verstappen.

Oscar Piastri – 6.5/10

Piastri had a below-par weekend by his usual standards, qualifying seventh and finishing seventh. He was involved in a first-lap incident with Russell, which stewards ruled against the Mercedes driver.

George Russell – 5.5/10

Russell struggled throughout the weekend, admitting poor Q3 laps. A five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage against Piastri saw him finish eighth, a disappointing result given his teammate’s performance.

Liam Lawson – 8/10

Lawson delivered another solid performance for Racing Bulls. Sacrificing a Q3 run to preserve tyres, he converted ninth on the grid into ninth at the finish, securing another points-paying result.

Pierre Gasly – 8/10

Gasly maximized the potential of the Alpine, missing Q3 but fighting back into the points after an early battle with Haas rookie Oliver Bearman.

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