AUSTIN, Texas — Kimi Antonelli won the U.S. Grand Prix on Sunday with a dominant lights-to-flag drive, putting him on the brink of becoming the 2026 Formula 1 world champion.

Antonelli, the 20-year-old Italian Mercedes driver, fell just short of clinching the title in Texas, but he extended his already commanding lead and is on the verge of making history as F1’s youngest champion in just his second season.

He has an excellent opportunity to lock down the title at the Mexico City race next Sunday.

It was a masterful drive from Antonelli, who proved once again why he’s cruising to a world championship. James Sutton / LAT Images via Getty

With five races to go, Antonelli sits 123 points ahead of his nearest rival, with a maximum of 125 points up for grabs. The race in Austin marked his ninth victory of the season.

There were boos on the podium as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, presented the winner’s trophy to Antonelli.…