Antonelli wins at COTA, puts championship within reach
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver secured his seventh pole position of the season and led every lap in Sunday's race.
By Carlos Ortega ·
Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver started from pole position and crossed the finish line ahead of the field. This victory puts him just two points behind the leader in the Drivers' Championship.
Antonelli qualified for pole during Saturday's session. He maintained his advantage through the following afternoon's race. The result marks his seventh pole position of the season. If he wins the race next week in Mexico, he will become the first Italian World Champion in 73 years. He would also become the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to claim the title.
The weekend featured new off-track amenities at the COTA campus. A members-only hospitality club at Turn 1 generated conversation among attendees. The structure includes two rooftop pools and gondolas that transport guests to the Paddock Club. Spectators also had access to COTALand, a new amusement park located near the Grand Plaza. The park offers roller coasters, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel. Pop music played over speakers throughout the grounds, including a parody of the song Take on Me.
A large crowd attended the event despite heavy traffic. Notable visitors included celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, Jeremy Clarkson, and local billionaire Michael Dell. Actors Keegan-Michael Key and Damson Idris were also present. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz handed the trophy to Antonelli after the race. Fans booed during the presentation, then cheered when Antonelli received the award.
Spectators displayed creative support for their favorite drivers. Three banners for Franco Colapinto were tied to the Turn 1 Grandstand on Sunday. Two fans carried an Italian flag printed with Antonelli's face. Western-style clothing was common in the paddock area, with many attendees wearing cowboy hats. Other spectators wore bright floral outfits and platform shoes.
The race weekend concluded the current stretch of major events in Travis County. The city recently hosted ACL Fest and the Hot Luck food festival. The Austin Food & Wine Festival and the Texas Book Festival are scheduled for November.
The next Formula 1 race is scheduled for next week in Mexico. Antonelli will need to win that event to secure the championship title.
Source: Culturemap Austin · original report published
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