Kimi Antonelli Crowned Youngest-Ever F1 World Champion at 20 as Max Verstappen Wins Mexico City GP
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula One World Champion at 20 years and 68 days after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed victory ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
The Mercedes driver secured the 2026 championship despite starting fourth on the grid at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Antonelli needed only a ninth-place finish to clinch his maiden title, regardless of how Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell performed.
Antonelli broke the record held by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first F1 championship with Red Bull in 2010.
“We did it. And, you know, without them, I wouldn’t be here. Without Mercedes, without my family,” Antonelli said after securing the title.
“I’m very grateful for this moment, and it’s one that will live forever. And I just, I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened.”
Verstappen Holds Off Hamilton for Mexico City Victory
- Max Verstappen won his third race of the season, beating Lewis Hamilton by 0.799 seconds after starting fifth.
- Hamilton finished second, while Kimi Antonelli took third to clinch the championship.
Antonelli Celebrates Maiden Title Alongside Verstappen and Hamilton
Antonelli struggled to contain his emotions on the podium as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton lifted the newly crowned champion into the air.
“I wouldn’t be here without Mercedes and my family. I’m speechless and still trying to process what’s happened,” he said, adding that sharing the podium with the two drivers was incredible and that “this is just the beginning.”
Antonelli Opens Unassailable Championship Lead
Antonelli now holds an unassailable 119-point lead in the championship standings. Verstappen has moved into second place, while Russell has slipped to fourth, trailing his Mercedes teammate by 130 points.
The title marks a remarkable achievement for Antonelli, whose promotion to Mercedes had prompted questions about whether he was ready for Formula One at such a young age.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and the team stood by their decision to promote the Italian driver, and the gamble has now delivered a world championship.
The Formula One paddock will head to Brazil next for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, scheduled for November 6-8.
