What happened: Speaking during Thursday's press conference, Antonelli insisted the championship battle is not over yet and said he refuses to dwell on the points permutations required to seal the crown this weekend. The Mercedes driver retained third place in Singapore despite four track-limits strikes to arrive in Austin with a mathematical shot at the 2026 drivers' title.

Why it matters: Securing the FIA Formula One World Championship at Circuit of the Americas requires Antonelli to outscore the opposite side of the Mercedes garage across the weekend. Putting both Silver Arrows back on the same upgrade specification after a split-spec run at Marina Bay levels the machinery as the Americas triple-header begins.

What to watch: On-track action in Austin opens Friday ahead of qualifying and Sunday's Grand Prix to decide whether the championship is settled in Texas.