Can Kimi Antonelli win F1 championship at USGP? How to watch Austin race

In the 2026 United States Grand Prix, Formula 1 newcomer Kimi Antonelli could be on the verge of history. Should the 20-year-old Mercedes driver clinch victory in Austin, he would etch his name as the youngest champion ever, provided his teammate George Russell finishes ninth or lower and former champion Lewis Hamilton manages to stay fifth or lower.

Antonelli demonstrated a strong start to the weekend, securing pole position in qualifying and lining up alongside fellow rookies Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. Verstappen, who has previously won four United States Grand Prix races, sits third on the grid. Antonelli has set various records, including the youngest driver to lead the championship, start a race on pole, and win the Monaco Grand Prix.

Despite the competition remaining fierce, both drivers and teams enjoy the American experience - donning cowboy hats and indulging in barbecue. Russell's Western attire certainly added to the festive atmosphere. The United States Grand Prix, a race held since 2012, is the longest-running competition among the three American races.

Mercedes legend Hamilton holds the record for the most wins at Circuit of The Americas with five titles, and he claimed his sixth championship in 2019 with a second-place finish at COTA. Verstappen has now put himself in striking distance with four USGP victories, including last year's. To watch the F1 United States Grand Prix, tune in at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct.

25, on Apple TV. The race will feature five drivers still in contention for the 2026 F1 Drivers Championship: Antonelli, Russell, Hamilton, Verstappen, and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. A total of six races remain, making the championship's final outcome far from certain.