Kimi Antonelli has turn out to be the youngest world champion in Formula 1 historical past after ending third on the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver secured his first world title on Sunday, November 1, 2026, with 4 races remaining within the season.
Antonelli completed behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who claimed victory, and Ferrari’s Lewis (*20*), who got here second.
The Italian surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s earlier file by three years and 66 days, changing into the youngest driver to win the championship at 20 years and 68 days.
He additionally turned the primary Italian to win the Formula 1 world title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Antonelli’s historic achievement got here after a composed efficiency in a dramatic race interrupted by a pink flag, which resulted in a 25-lap dash to the end.
The Mercedes driver maintained his place among the many front-runners regardless of intense battles involving Verstappen, (*20*) and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
Antonelli spent the closing laps watching (*20*) try to shut the hole on Verstappen after the pair made contact on the first chicane following the restart.
(*20*), nevertheless, struggled to get shut sufficient to the Red Bull driver to aim a go.
The Ferrari driver completed second, pissed off by what he believed was a missed alternative to win following Leclerc’s aggressive transfer on the opening lap.
Tensions between the Ferrari teammates practically boiled over after Leclerc’s profitable try and take the lead sparked controversy throughout the group.
The incident turned one of many main speaking factors of the race, though Antonelli’s championship triumph overshadowed the interior dispute.
The Italian celebrated emotionally over the group radio throughout his slowing-down lap, breaking into tears and laughter after Mercedes knowledgeable him he had gained the title.
Initially unable to talk, Antonelli finally composed himself and stated: “Thank you so much. We did it. We did it.”
The championship marks a outstanding achievement for Antonelli, who was nonetheless a youngster till late August and has taken the season by storm.
His title victory additionally comes with a number of races remaining, underlining his dominance and consistency all through the marketing campaign.
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s victory marked his third win in 4 races, with the Red Bull driver benefiting from the battle between the Ferrari teammates.
The Mexico City Grand Prix additionally featured a dramatic red-flag interruption, which reset the race and created a 25-lap dash to the end.
Antonelli remained composed by the closing phases, securing the rostrum place wanted to seal the championship.
The consequence confirms his place in Formula 1 historical past because the youngest world champion, whereas Verstappen’s victory and Ferrari’s inside tensions supplied the opposite main storylines from Mexico.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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