Antonelli stunned to learn he can clinch F1 title at Austin after Singapore podium

Kimi Antonelli was left visibly stunned at the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix after being informed mid-interview that his third-place finish had opened the door to clinching the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship at the very next race in Austin, Texas. Max Verstappen won the race for Red Bull ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, but it was the teenage Mercedes rookie’s podium that carried the biggest implications for the season.

Former world champion Jenson Button broke the news to Antonelli during post-race interviews, prompting a disbelieving response from the Italian. “Can I? Really?” Antonelli replied. “Well, let’s not worry about that.”

The podium itself was hard-earned. Antonelli had dealt with severe braking issues on the starting grid before the race and spent much of the afternoon looking for an opportunity. It arrived when McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton became embroiled in a fierce on-track battle, and Antonelli seized the moment to pass both drivers and secure third place.

“It was a very tough race out there, but really happy with the podium at the end,” Antonelli told Button. “I managed to take advantage of the fight of Lando and Lewis, and to make the move on both, and to bring home P3 is a great result for the team.”

Despite the magnitude of what a title clinch at the Circuit of the Americas would represent — a rookie world champion in just his debut season — Antonelli was careful not to get ahead of himself. Rather than entertaining the prospect of a championship celebration in Texas, he kept his focus firmly on execution.

“Let’s try to do the best weekend as possible and finish the job,” he said.

The United States Grand Prix in Austin now looms as a potential coronation moment for the 18-year-old, who stepped up to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2026 season.