Mercedes principal Toto Wolff says it is "not realistic" for Kimi Antonelli to win the 2026 F1 Drivers' Championship on Sunday in Austin, despite the Italian starting on pole position. Antonelli produced a superb Q3 lap to beat Max Verstappen and claim his first pole since July's Belgian Grand Prix. Should he win in Austin with Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth or lower and George Russell ninth or lower, the 20-year-old will seal the title with five rounds remaining.
Hamilton starts fifth, Russell sixth. Wolff warned Mercedes lacks the race pace to win, stating they must focus on scoring points. Antonelli admits the week has been different but insists his mindset remains the same: focus on the job and enjoy the drive.
Verstappen, starting second, plans to keep the battle respectful while aiming to win.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing