Antonelli takes US Grand Prix pole with title in reach

Kimi Antonelli claimed pole position for the United States Grand Prix, putting the Mercedes driver in position to pursue a possible first Formula 1 title at Sunday’s race in Austin. His 1:34.035 lap was 0.179 seconds faster than Max Verstappen’s, with Isack Hadjar third for Red Bull. Antonelli’s time secured his seventh pole of the season. Charles Leclerc qualified fourth for Ferrari, followed by teammate Lewis Hamilton, while Mercedes teammate George Russell was sixth. Oscar Piastri qualified seventh and Lando Norris eighth after Norris had a lap deleted for exceeding track limits. Antonelli leads Russell by 102 points and Hamilton by 111, with six races remaining after the Austin round, according to reported championship standings. To clinch the drivers’ championship in Austin, he must win the race, while Russell finishes ninth or lower and Hamilton fifth or lower. If those conditions are not met, the title remains undecided after the Grand Prix. The 20-year-old said the gusty, unpredictable wind made the final qualifying session difficult, but he was pleased to secure pole. He said Verstappen had been quick and that winning the race would not be easy. Antonelli said his...