Verstappen Targets Third Straight Win to Delay Antonelli’s F1 Title Celebration

Posted : 22 October 2026

Max Verstappen heads into this weekend’s United States Grand Prix aiming to extend his winning streak and postpone Kimi Antonelli’s potential Formula 1 championship celebrations.

The Red Bull driver has won the last two races in Malaysia and Singapore, reviving his season and establishing himself as a serious contender for another victory. Verstappen also has a strong record at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, where he claimed pole position and won last year’s race.

Despite his recent success, the four-time world champion remains cautious about his chances in Texas. Verstappen acknowledged that Red Bull’s improved performance has been encouraging but warned that every circuit presents a different challenge.

He has secured seven podium finishes in his last eight races and sits fourth in the championship standings, 119 points behind Antonelli. Another victory could disrupt the Italian’s hopes of securing the title this weekend.

Antonelli, meanwhile, arrives in Austin with a 102-point advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell and an opportunity to become Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion. To clinch the championship on Sunday, the 20-year-old must win the race, while Russell finishes ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton finishes outside the top four. Although the scenario requires several results to fall in his favour, Antonelli remains focused on delivering his best performance rather than getting distracted by the prospect of making history.

Russell will be hoping to keep his championship ambitions alive, while Ferrari’s Hamilton could also challenge for victory at a circuit where he has enjoyed considerable success.

Mercedes plans to run its latest upgrades as the championship enters a crucial three-race stretch covering the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Red Bull and Ferrari could also benefit from the demanding conditions, making the battle for victory difficult to predict.

Verstappen has also highlighted the challenging nature of the Austin circuit, describing its bumpy surface as a significant test for drivers. The track’s elevation changes, fast corners and overtaking opportunities could produce an unpredictable race.

With Antonelli chasing a historic milestone and Verstappen seeking a third straight win, the United States Grand Prix promises a compelling contest between the sport’s established champion and its emerging star.

Verstappen Targets Third Straight Win to Delay Antonelli’s F1 Title Celebration

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