Wolff: Antonelli drove his best race yet in Austin

Toto Wolff says Kimi Antonelli delivered the best race of his career so far at the United States Grand Prix, a victory that put the 20-year-old on the brink of a record-breaking Formula 1 title.

Speaking to BBC Sport in Austin after the race and his official news conference, the Mercedes team principal called it “the race of a champion who isn't the champion yet”.

Antonelli did not clinch the championship in Austin: George Russell finished eighth and Lewis Hamilton fourth, keeping the fight open for Mexico City next weekend. Antonelli is guaranteed the title there with ninth place if Russell wins; 10th will suffice if Hamilton wins.

The new Mercedes specification had been unconvincing on its Malaysia debut; in Austin, the team ran it on both cars. Wolff said the update was difficult to operate. Antonelli took pole and dominated, while Russell finished eighth, hampered by a five-second penalty. Wolff said Antonelli's driving style suited the car and believed its difficult operating window contributed to Russell's struggles.

Antonelli himself rated Austin's execution above his Monza victory from 19th on the grid, though he said the home win would always be special. He said Mercedes built up its performance over the Austin weekend.

If he secures the title in Mexico, Antonelli will become Formula 1's youngest champion, breaking Sebastian Vettel's 2010 record by more than three years. He will also be the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.