Round 18 of the 2026 Formula 1 season takes place at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, where Kimi Antonelli has a mathematical chance of becoming champion. To wrap up the title, the 20-year-old Italian needs to win the race for Mercedes, with George Russell finishing ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton no higher than fifth. Max Verstappen, for his part, has won the last two Grands Prix, in Bahrain and Singapore, as well as a sprint race, lifting him to fourth in the standings. The Red Bull driver sits 119 points behind the leader.
Away from the title fight, Haas have officially confirmed that Formula 2 leader Rafael Camara will drive for them in 2027, and he is expected to partner Ollie Bearman. McLaren will bring new upgrades to Austin, while talk in the paddock is focused on the official announcement of an African Grand Prix in Rwanda.
