Needing to win the U.S. GP, Lewis Hamilton to be no higher than fifth and George Russell no higher than ninth to take the title at COTA, his two rivals bettered those finishing positions by one spot each. But Kimi Antonelli more than held up his side of the bargain.

It’s time for the speculation to end and the racing to get real: The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship begins March 8 with the Australian Grand Prix.With massive rules changes, shifts in the pecking order, new teams and combos and – a huge pre-season talking point – questions over how...