Formula 1 today: Antonelli's first title chance in Austin

Andrea Kimi Antonelli heads to the United States GP as the clear championship leader. He has 340 points. His Mercedes team-mate George Russell is second on 238 points, followed by Lewis Hamilton on 229 points.

According to formula1.com, Austin is the first race at which Antonelli can mathematically wrap up the title. Everything has to fall into place, though: Antonelli must win, Russell can finish no higher than ninth and Hamilton no higher than fifth. You can find the full table in the standings.

Ferrari unveiled a livery on Wednesday that will only be seen this weekend. According to formula1.com, the team developed it together with title partner HP. The graphics are reminiscent of sketches, technical drawings and blueprints. With it, Ferrari wants to thank the designers, engineers and technicians who build a Formula 1 car. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will race in this design.

Aston Martin will also compete in Austin with a one-off design. According to formula1.com, the team is using it to celebrate five years of partnership with Cognizant.

Audi will run junior driver Freddie Slater in first practice at the Mexico City GP and the Brazilian GP. They will be his first outings on a Formula 1 race weekend. According to formula1.com, the 18-year-old is the first driver Audi has taken into its junior programme. He finished runner-up in Formula 3 with Trident and will race for Invicta Racing in Formula 2 next season. The announcement does not say which regular driver he will stand in for on each occasion.

On Thursday, the drivers meet the media. According to the FIA, Oscar Piastri, Isack Hadjar, Carlos Sainz, Valtteri Bottas, Lewis Hamilton and Antonelli will take their seats in the press conferences. According to formula1.com, Pirelli is bringing the C2, C3 and C4 compounds to the Circuit of the Americas. Many expect a race with just one pit stop. In addition, the section between Turn 9 and Turn 11 has been resurfaced.

The session times in German time (clocks go back to winter time overnight into Sunday):

• Friday: FP1 at 19:30, FP2 at 23:00
• Saturday: FP3 at 19:30, qualifying at 23:00
• Sunday: race at 21:00

You can find every date of the season in the calendar.