Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest world champion in F1 history

On Sunday, 1 November, Kimi Antonelli made history as he became the youngest Formula 1 driver in history (at 20 years and 68 days old) to win the World Championship at the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix. 

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team driver finished third to secure the title, and was preceded by fellow champions Lewis Hamilton at second and Max Verstappen as the winner of the race.

“We did it, we did it!” said the tearful Italian, the first man from his country to win the World Championship since Alberto Ascari 73 years ago. “I wouldn’t be here without Mercedes, without my family, so I’m very grateful for this moment – it’s one that will live forever.”The race in Mexico was a very heated one, filled with crashes, red flags and tensions running high between teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Between those two, Hamilton came home a gallant but frustrated second. Through it all, Antonelli drove a composed race, calmly slotting into third position as chaos unfolded around him.

“It’s been a tough day,” Hamilton said after the race. “I think we had the pace to win today, but it wasn’t meant to be.”

However, the multi-world championship winner made sure to take a moment to congratulate the newest champion.

“Huge congratulations to Kimi and the Mercedes team. It’s great to see them all up here celebrating their success. Youngest World Champion ever – it’s pretty phenomenal, and I’m so grateful to be in the race to witness it,” he said.“It’s been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible – looking forward to some more battles in the future,” said Kimi. “This weekend I did feel a bit more tense, but I’m just so happy that we got it done and now we can enjoy the rest of the season. Thank you so much, Mexico!”

Kimi will be presented with his championship trophy on 12 December at the annual FIA prize-giving ceremony.

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