Wolff: Antonelli title win at US Grand Prix 'not realistic'
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says it is not realistic for Kimi Antonelli to clinch the 2026 F1 title in Austin on Sunday, despite the 20-year-old starting from pole. Antonelli could become the sport's youngest world champion.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli will start Sunday's United States Grand Prix, a round of the Formula 1 world championship held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, from pole position. The Italian beat Red Bull's Max Verstappen in qualifying and took his first pole since July's Belgian Grand Prix. Even so, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says winning the 2026 Drivers' Championship this weekend is not realistic.
What the title requires
Antonelli could seal the title with five rounds still to run. He would need to win in Austin, while Lewis Hamilton finishes fifth or lower and George Russell ninth or lower. At 20, he would become the youngest world champion in the sport's history.
Wolff's assessment
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Wolff said the team is not discussing the championship. He does not think Mercedes is quickest in race trim, so the aim is to score points and, ideally, win. The team lacked pace in long runs during Friday practice.
Antonelli said the week has felt different, but his goal is unchanged and he can enjoy driving more because he is in a strong position. He also warned about Red Bull's race pace.
The rivals
Verstappen, who has won the last two races, starts second. Red Bull's Isack Hadjar is third, Charles Leclerc fourth, Hamilton fifth (both Ferrari) and Russell sixth. Verstappen said he will keep things respectful but try to win. Russell admitted he made two bad laps in the final part of qualifying.
The race starts at 8pm UK time on Sunday.
