Mexico City, November 2, 2026: Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history after finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix. At 20 years and 68 days, the Italian secured his maiden Drivers’ Championship with four races still remaining in the 2026 season.
Antonelli Breaks Sebastian Vettel’s Record
Antonelli has shattered the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel, who became world champion in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days.
The Mercedes star is now more than three years younger than the previous youngest champion in Formula 1 history.
Third Place Was Enough to Seal the Title
Antonelli arrived at the Mexico City Grand Prix needing only a ninth-place finish to guarantee the championship, regardless of the results of his nearest rivals.
Starting fourth on the grid, he kept his composure through an eventful race and crossed the line in third place to secure the crown.
Verstappen Wins Mexico City Grand Prix
While Antonelli celebrated the championship, Max Verstappen won the 71-lap Mexico City Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton finished second for Ferrari, while Antonelli completed the podium in third.
Dramatic Race Includes Red Flag and Safety Cars
The race featured several major incidents, including a heavy crash involving Valtteri Bottas that caused a lengthy red-flag stoppage.
A late Safety Car was also deployed after Arvid Lindblad crashed, adding further drama to the race before Antonelli finally secured the title.
First Italian F1 Champion Since 1953
Antonelli’s victory also ends a 73-year wait for an Italian Formula 1 world champion.
The last Italian to win the Drivers’ Championship was Alberto Ascari in 1953, making Antonelli’s achievement particularly significant for Italian motorsport.
Maiden Championship Comes in Second F1 Season
Antonelli has won his first world title in only his second season in Formula 1.
He joins a small group of drivers who captured their maiden championship extremely early in their F1 careers, underlining his rapid rise since joining Mercedes.
Antonelli Calls Victory “Incredible”
After the race, Antonelli said he was still processing the achievement and described the season as incredible.
The young Italian celebrated on the podium wrapped in the Italian flag, alongside Verstappen and Hamilton.
Mercedes Also Closes in on Constructors’ Championship
Antonelli’s title has strengthened Mercedes’ position in the Constructors’ Championship as well.
Mercedes currently holds a significant advantage over Ferrari and could secure the teams’ title at the next race in Brazil.
Antonelli’s historic championship confirms his status as one of Formula 1’s brightest young stars and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the sport.
Source: FIA, Formula 1, Reuters, The Indian Express
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