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Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli moved closer to his first Formula One world championship after winning the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, but the 20-year-old Italian will have to wait until next weekend's race in Mexico City for another opportunity to secure the title.
Antonelli finished ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, claiming his ninth victory of the season and extending his championship lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell to 123 points.
The Italian, who last won at the Spanish Grand Prix in September, controlled the race from the opening corner, pulling away from his rivals as Verstappen and Leclerc fought over second place.
Despite missing out on the championship in Austin, Antonelli remains in a commanding position heading into the Mexican Grand Prix, where he could become the youngest world champion in Formula One history.
The Mercedes driver will secure the title if he loses no more than 23 points to Russell or 24 points to Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during the race weekend.
Under the current championship standings, finishing ninth would be enough for Antonelli even if Russell wins, while 10th place would secure the title if Hamilton takes victory.
If neither Russell nor Hamilton wins in Mexico City, Antonelli will become world champion regardless of his finishing position.
With nine victories already recorded this season, Antonelli now heads to Mexico with another opportunity to wrap up his maiden Formula One championship.
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