AUSTIN, Texas - Kimi Antonelli took another step towards securing his maiden Formula One world title by beating Max Verstappen to pole position for the United States Grand Prix on Oct 24.

The 20-year-old Italian will wrap up the drivers’ championship on Oct 25 if he wins the race, his Mercedes teammate George Russell finishes outside the top eight and Lewis Hamilton finishes outside the top four.

Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar qualified in third place, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc fourth. AFP