Kimi Antonelli takes pole in Austin: Here's what he need to be crowned champion at US Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli took pole position at the Austin Grand Prix, leaving many to ponder what he needs to claim the world championship. Standing at 340 points with eight Grand Prix victories, Antonelli's path forward hinges on a few crucial factors.

Antonelli requires a win in Austin and for George Russell to finish ninth or below. A victory would catapult him to 365 points with nine wins this season. If Russell subsequently wins all remaining races, it would level the points between the two, but Antonelli would still clinch the title due to his superior win count.

Should Antonelli settle for a second place finish in Austin, his next chance to clinch the championship arrives a week later in Mexico City on November 1. Despite being the favorite after his first race win in Australia, reliability issues and his aggressive driving style have pushed him out of contention.

Lewis Hamilton, third with 229 points, needs to win all six races remaining to have any shot at the title. Even then, he would need to finish fifth or lower in Austin, and Antonelli would have to score 38 points or fewer across those remaining races.

Max Verstappen, fourth with 221 points, would need to secure all six remaining victories to reach 371 points. If Antonelli scores 30 points or fewer in those races, Verstappen's title hopes would be dashed. However, Verstappen's season has been one of recovery, with his Red Bull team's resurgence in performance giving him hope.

Charles Leclerc, fifth with 215 points, would need to win all six remaining races to reach 365 points, matching Antonelli's total.