Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli celebrates after winning the pole position during the qualifying session for the US Grand Prix. (EPA Images pic)AUSTIN: Kimi Antonelli took another step towards securing his maiden Formula One world title by beating Max Verstappen to pole position for the US Grand Prix on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Italian will wrap up the drivers' championship on Sunday if he wins the race, his Mercedes teammate George Russell finishes outside the top eight and Lewis Hamilton finishes outside the top four.

Briton Russell could only qualify sixth-fastest and will join Hamilton on the third row of the grid.

Verstappen missed out on a third consecutive pole but will line up alongside Antonelli on the front row.