Kimi Antonelli addresses 'different' feeling as first F1 title point arrives

Kimi Antonelli has admitted this weekend "does feel a little bit different" after claiming pole position for the United States Grand Prix, a result that hands the Mercedes driver his first opportunity to be crowned world champion in Austin.

The Italian topped qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas with a lap of 1:34.035, edging out Max Verstappen by 0.179 seconds and Isack Hadjar by 0.215 seconds in a tight top three. 

Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell rounded out the top six, with Hamilton and Russell being the only drivers who can deny Antonelli the title.

For the 20-year-old to become world champion in Austin, Antonelli needs to win the race while Hamilton finishes fifth or lower and Russell finishes outside the top nine. 

Anything less from either rival, or a slip from Antonelli himself, pushes the title fight into the remaining rounds in Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Speaking to select media, including RacingNews365, after securing pole, Antonelli made clear his focus remained on the race itself rather than the numbers around it.

"I'm just going to try to do the best race I can," Antonelli said. "I'm going to try to win, and then we'll see what happens. But, you know, it's good to finish qualifying like this. 

"Of course, Sunday is going to be a new day. Max has been very quick, Isack also has been very quick, so just need to get a good start, and then we'll see from there what we can do."

Kimi Antonelli embracing title pursuit opportunity

By claiming pole and with both Hamilton and Russell a few positions behind, Antonelli faces a better chance than expected of securing the title in the United States and becoming F1's youngest champion.

Asked whether the prospect of wrapping up the title changed how the weekend felt, Antonelli acknowledged a shift in his approach without losing sight of the job at hand.

"I mean, it does feel a little bit different, but the goal stays the same," added Antonelli. "I just need to keep doing my job, and actually, I feel like I can enjoy the driving and everything more. 

"But of course, we still have to do the race, still have to try and win, and then, of course, we'll see what happens. But yeah, I feel like I can enjoy it a bit more because obviously I'm in a very good position. But still, the mindset is always the same."