Antonelli can clinch F1 title at United States Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli can clinch the Formula 1 drivers’ championship at the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, but only if he wins and two other results go his way. The Mercedes driver enters the Austin race with a 102-point lead over teammate George Russell, with six rounds remaining after this weekend. Antonelli must win to have any chance of settling the title in Austin. If he does, he will become champion if Russell finishes ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton finishes fifth or lower. Hamilton, who drives for Ferrari, trails Antonelli by 111 points. If any part of that combination is not met, the championship remains open at least until the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1. The standings leave Russell with a narrow route to extending the contest, while Antonelli arrives after a season that has shifted expectations inside Mercedes. Russell opened the campaign with a victory in Australia and was widely viewed as a title favourite. Antonelli has since won eight races, compared with Russell’s three, according to Russell’s account of their season totals. Russell said the year had tested his character and resilience. He described focusing on how to improve his driving and what he...