F1, US GP times in Austin: Antonelli's first chance to see qualifying and racing on TV (Sky, Now and TV8)

Formula One returns to the United States for the Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, presenting a pivotal opportunity for Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. The twenty-year-old Italian leads the world championship with 340 points, holding a 102-point advantage over his teammate George Russell. This margin offers him the first mathematical chance to secure the title before the season concludes. To achieve this feat, which would make him the youngest champion in the sport's history, Antonelli must win the race while relying on specific results from his rivals. Specifically, Russell must finish no higher than ninth, and Lewis Hamilton no higher than fifth. The remaining contenders, including Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and defending champion Lando Norris, have no impact on this particular calculation. The schedule for the weekend begins on Friday, October 23, with two free practice sessions. Saturday, October 24, features the third free practice session followed by qualifying, scheduled for 23:00 local time. The main race will start on Sunday, October 25, at 21:00. Unlike last year, the sprint format has been removed, restoring the traditional structure of three practice sessions, one qualifying session, and the final race. The circuit measures 5.513 kilometers and includes twenty corners, eleven left-handers and nine right-handers. Drivers will compete over 56 laps, covering a total distance of 308.405 kilometers. Max Verstappen enters the event as a primary threat, having won the previous two races and the last edition of the US Grand Prix. His recent form has intensified the battle for second place in the standings, narrowing the gap between himself, Hamilton, and Russell. Ferrari also arrives with technical updates to its SF-26 car, aiming to improve performance on a track favored by both Charles Leclerc and Hamilton. The team hopes these changes will allow them to challenge consistently for podium positions. Uncertainty looms over the remainder of the calendar due to conflict between the United States and Iran. It remains unclear whether the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can proceed as planned. Organizers are considering a single replacement race in Imola. Should the calendar be shortened, Antonelli’s path to the title becomes easier. In such a scenario, a lead of just 100 points after Austin would suffice for early coronation. He could even afford to lose up to two points to Russell, eleven to Hamilton, and nineteen to Verstappen. A victory under these conditions would guarantee the title regardless of his competitors' finishes. If he does not clinch the crown in Austin, the Mexican Grand Prix next week provides another immediate opportunity. Antonelli currently holds eight race victories compared to Russell’s three. In the unlikely event of a tie in points at the end of the season, the number of wins determines the champion. With five races remaining after Austin, a maximum of 125 points are still available. Antonelli needs to extend his lead over Russell by at least 23 points to ensure the title mathematically, assuming the current calendar stands. The pressure is high as the field converges on the Texas circuit for what promises to be a decisive weekend in the championship fight.