What happened: Kimi Antonelli arrives at Circuit of the Americas for the United States Grand Prix with a chance to clinch his first Formula 1 World Championship in the Mercedes seat once held by Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes brings a unified latest car specification to Texas for both drivers after Russell qualified second in an older package during the Singapore sprint.

Why it matters: Antonelli claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix in March and kept Mercedes at the front of the championship fight following Hamilton's move to Ferrari. Lando Norris rated Antonelli two levels above Russell this campaign, while team principal Toto Wolff has rejected claims of internal favoritism.

What to watch: Antonelli will look to outscore Russell across the Austin race weekend at Circuit of the Americas to secure the drivers' championship.