Kimi Antonelli wins the US Grand Prix from pole and closes in on the title

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Kimi Antonelli is one step away from becoming Formula 1 world champion. RacingNews365 reports that the Mercedes driver won the United States Grand Prix in Austin from pole position on a one stop strategy, although he did not clinch the title this weekend

Charles Leclerc finished second, around 13 seconds behind, with Max Verstappen third. Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Isack Hadjar, Oscar Piastri, George Russell, Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly completed the top ten

Leclerc passed Verstappen at Turn 3 on the opening lap but slipped back to third by the end of it. Red Bull pitted Verstappen on lap 14 for a two stop strategy, and both Verstappen and Hadjar reported engine problems around lap 30. Antonelli retook the lead from Leclerc on lap 32, and Leclerc moved back into second on lap 49. A Virtual Safety Car came out on lap 52 after Valtteri Bottas stopped

Russell received a five second penalty for gaining an advantage off track on lap one, served it at his stop and finished eighth. Antonelli now has 365 points, 123 clear of Russell on 242, with Hamilton on 241, Verstappen 236 and Leclerc 233. With five races left, he needs to finish ninth or higher in Mexico City to become the youngest champion in history

Antonelli's season has been extraordinary, and he looked completely in control in Austin. Clinching in Mexico seems almost certain now. Ferrari's pace was encouraging too, with Leclerc a clear second

Will Antonelli wrap up the title in Mexico? And how does his season compare with other great title wins?

Kimi Antonelli on verge of smashing F1 record book after sublime US GP victoryracingnews365.com