Title permutations: Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 Championship in Austin?
21 October 2026Kimi Antonelli could be crowned 2026 F1 World Champion as early as the United States Grand Prix, with the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) offering the Mercedes driver his first opportunity to wrap up the title.
Here’s everything you need to know about Kimi Antonelli’s first shot at the 2026 championship.
How many races are left in the 2026 F1 season?
Six rounds remain on the calendar, beginning with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi follow soon after as the campaign heads towards its conclusion.
How many points can still be won in the 2026 F1 season?
With no Sprint races left on the 2026 calendar, there are 150 points still to be won across the remaining six Grands Prix.
Who can still win the 2026 F1 Drivers’ Championship?
In mathematical terms, five other drivers remain alive: Russell, Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris and Leclerc.
But, if any of them are to have a realistic chance, it relies heavily on Antonelli not scoring for the remainder of the season, particularly for the likes of Norris and Leclerc, and the Italian scoring far less than 50 points if Russell, Hamilton or Verstappen are to get within striking distance.
Antonelli has led the Drivers’ Championship since the third round in Japan, and that position has only strengthened in recent rounds. After 17 events, he sits 102 points ahead of team-mate George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton is a further nine points back in third.
Here’s how the 2026 F1 Drivers’ Championship standings look after the Singapore Grand Prix:
Pos | Driver | Team | Points |
1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 340 |
2 | George Russell | Mercedes | 238 |
3 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 229 |
4 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 221 |
5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 215 |
6 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 201 |
Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 title in Austin?
Yes, the Circuit of the Americas is Antonelli’s earliest route to the title, but it relies on a perfect weekend from his side, and misfortune befalling the other contenders. He must win the United States Grand Prix and then rely on his rivals finishing in the lower points-paying positions.
Scenario where Antonelli wins the championship in Austin
- Antonelli wins the United States Grand Prix
- Russell finishes outside the top eight
- Hamilton finishes outside the top four
If the stars don’t align for Antonelli in Austin, the title fight moves on to the next round in Mexico City.
Will Antonelli become F1’s youngest ever champion?
In short, yes, and by some margin. Currently, Sebastian Vettel is F1’s youngest ever champion, with the German driver taking his 2010 title at 23 years of age (and 133 days). If Antonelli – currently 20 years old – seals the title this year, he will be over three years younger than Vettel.
