{
  "id": 16429684,
  "title": "Antonelli Takes Austin Pole, Eyes F1 Title",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/antonelli-takes-austin-pole-eyes-f1-title",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T04:25:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Rio Times",
    "slug": "the-rio-times",
    "url": "https://www.riotimesonline.com/antonelli-takes-austin-pole-us-grand-prix-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes driver, secured pole position for the upcoming US Grand Prix in Austin, setting the fastest lap of 1:34.035 in Saturday's qualifying session. His lead of 0.179 seconds over Red Bull's Max Verstappen puts him in the driver's championship, with a potential title win still achievable with just five races remaining. The race, starting at 3 p.m. local time, will decide the championship winner if Antonelli can finish ahead of his rivals, with a minimum of 125 points separating him. Verstappen and Hamilton, along with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, qualified in second through fifth places respectively. With just three races left, Antonelli must not only win the race but also hope that his competitors struggle to finish anywhere near the top of the grid.",
  "summary": "Antonelli took pole at Circuit of The Americas by 0.179 seconds. A win on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET could make him Formula 1 champion. The post Antonelli Takes Austin Pole, Eyes F1 Title appeared first on The Rio Times .",
  "key_points": [
    "Antonelli wins pole at Austin with fastest lap of 1:34.035",
    "Leads Verstappen by 0.179 seconds in championship",
    "Title race hinges on final three races with 125-point gap"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Antonelli's qualifying performance positions him to clinch the championship in Austin, forcing his rivals to struggle with finishing positions if he successfully maintains his lead through the final races.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/16429684.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Antonelli on pole as he eyes record-setting world F1 title",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/antonelli-on-pole-as-he-eyes-record-setting-world-f1-title",
        "published": "2026-10-25T01:53:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}