Kimi Antonelli Becomes Youngest Formula 1 World Champion in History
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history at age 20, securing the 2026 title in Mexico and ending Italy's 73-year drought.
Kimi Antonelli has made motorsport history by securing his maiden Formula 1 World Championship title at the age of 20, becoming the youngest champion in the sport's history. The Mercedes driver sealed the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix with a third-place finish, breaking Sebastian Vettel's long-standing record from 2010 and bringing the world title back to Italy for the first time since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Despite battling illness and fatigue leading up to the race weekend, Antonelli drove with remarkable composure after starting from fourth on the grid. Max Verstappen claimed victory in Mexico, his sixth win at the venue, while Lewis Hamilton finished second after starting from his 105th career pole position. Antonelli's third-place finish was enough to unassailably secure the championship with four races remaining in the season.
Reflecting on his historic triumph, Antonelli expressed his immediate joy over the team radio: "We did it! Thank you very much!"
Dominating much of the 19 races held so far with nine victories, the young Italian seized the championship lead early in the year and successfully fended off seasoned rivals, including teammate George Russell. Former Haas team principal Günther Steiner praised the champion's exceptional composure, noting that Antonelli drove with the maturity of a 30-year-old veteran.
