Brief

Kimi Antonelli takes US Grand Prix pole, eyes championship

Antonelli edged Max Verstappen by 0.179 seconds, while Ferrari struggled in qualifying.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 25 Oct 2026 07:36:16 GMT

Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, beating Max Verstappen by 0.179 seconds, according to Standard.co.uk.

What happened

In the final qualifying session, Antonelli posted the fastest lap, putting the 20‑year‑old Italian on the front row. Max Verstappen, winner of the previous two races, qualified second, with Isack Hadjar third in the second Red Bull. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were limited to fourth and fifth, while George Russell qualified sixth.

What the reports add

The article notes that Ferrari had dominated practice but failed to deliver in qualifying, marking their first pole absence since Charles Leclerc’s pole in Hungary in 2025. It also highlights that Hamilton’s last pole at COTA was 1,190 days ago, and that an upgraded Ferrari appeared competitive but could not secure a top spot.

What was said

Antonelli said, “I just need to keep doing my job. I feel I can enjoy it a bit more because I am in a good position,” adding that his team and friends help him stay relaxed. Alex Albon, after being eliminated in Q1, was quoted as saying, “what a s**tshow.”

How it came about

Antonelli leads the drivers’ standings by 102 points with only 150 points remaining, meaning a win on Sunday combined with Russell finishing ninth or lower and Hamilton finishing fifth or lower would secure the 2026 championship. Ferrari president John Elkann watched from the garage, while team boss Fred Vasseur faced pressure after a difficult run of races.

Key facts

Kimi Antonelli took pole for the United States Grand Prix at COTA. (standard.co.uk)
Antonelli beat Max Verstappen by 0.179 seconds. (standard.co.uk)
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc qualified fourth and Lewis Hamilton fifth. (standard.co.uk)
Antonelli leads the championship by 102 points with 150 points left. (standard.co.uk)
John Elkann observed the qualifying from the Ferrari garage. (standard.co.uk)