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Antonelli can clinch 2026 F1 title in Austin

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 3:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Antonelli Near Title

Antonelli could clinch the 2026 F1 World Championship at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
He leads the drivers’ standings with 340 points, 102 ahead of teammate George Russell (238).
He must win while Russell finishes ninth or lower and Hamilton finishes fifth or lower to clinch the title.
A win would make him the youngest champion at 20 and the first Italian champion since 1953.

Summary

Mercedes Deploys Aero

Mercedes will run the latest aerodynamic specification on both cars at the United States Grand Prix.
The new front wing was trialled on Antonelli in Singapore FP1 before being fitted to both cars in Austin.
Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord, promoted in 2026, led the front-wing test and now shares on-site leadership.
After selling a £230 million stake to George Kurtz in 2025, Mercedes shareholder Wolff retains a 28% share in Mercedes.

History

Historical Context

In November 2009 Daimler AG, together with Aabar Investments, bought a 75.1% stake in Brawn GP for £110 million, rebranding it as Mercedes GP for 2010. The acquisition turned a one-season champion into a long-term factory team that later amassed multiple constructors and drivers titles, laying the groundwork for Mercedes’ dominant era in Formula 1.

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Antonelli Near Title

Antonelli could clinch the 2026 F1 World Championship at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
He leads the drivers’ standings with 340 points, 102 ahead of teammate George Russell (238).
He must win while Russell finishes ninth or lower and Hamilton finishes fifth or lower to clinch the title.
A win would make him the youngest champion at 20 and the first Italian champion since 1953.

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