Mexico: Kimi Antonelli has made Formula 1 history by securing his maiden drivers’ world championship at the age of 20 years and 68 days, becoming the youngest champion in the sport’s history after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The Italian Mercedes driver crossed the finish line behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic race marked by multiple safety car interruptions, a red flag and intense battles among the leading drivers. Antonelli’s composed performance proved enough to secure the championship, ending Sebastian Vettel’s long-standing record as the youngest Formula 1 world champion by three years and 66 days.
Antonelli also became the first Italian driver to win the Formula 1 world title since Alberto Ascari achieved the feat in 1953. His championship victory marks a remarkable achievement in a season that has seen the young driver establish himself among the sport’s leading competitors.
“That was a tough one!” 😮💨
What a victory from Max Verstappen in Mexico City! 🏆
#F1 #MexicoGP @redbullracing https://t.co/ID55YxrpBh
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 2, 2026
Antonelli holds his nerve with race-day drama
Entering the Mexico City Grand Prix, Antonelli knew that a consistent finish would put him in a strong position to secure the championship. He needed to avoid major mistakes, with only a victory for George Russell or Hamilton presenting a potential challenge to his title ambitions.
The Mercedes driver maintained a steady pace during the opening stint, running fourth behind Charles Leclerc, Verstappen and Hamilton. He briefly moved into the lead as the front-runners made their pit stops before completing his own tyre change.
The race took a dramatic turn on lap 45 when Valtteri Bottas crashed after a front suspension failure, bringing out the safety car before officials suspended the race to allow barrier repairs. Following the restart, Antonelli moved ahead of Leclerc and climbed into third position.
Another safety car period followed after a collision involving Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. During the final restart, Antonelli remained behind Verstappen and Hamilton, with all three drivers maintaining their positions until the chequered flag.
The leading trio finished within less than two seconds of one another, with Antonelli securing the third-place finish needed to confirm his historic championship. Overcome with emotion during the slowing-down lap, Antonelli initially struggled to respond when his Mercedes team informed him that he had become world champion.
Ferrari tensions overshadow hamilton’s race
While Antonelli celebrated his championship, tensions within Ferrari emerged as another major talking point of the race. Hamilton, who started from pole position, came under pressure from team-mate Charles Leclerc during the opening lap. Leclerc moved around the outside at the Turn Four/Five chicane, went off the track and emerged in the lead. He subsequently received a five-second penalty from the stewards.
The incident allowed Verstappen to move ahead of Hamilton into second place, leaving the seven-time world champion frustrated over what he believed was a missed opportunity for Ferrari to secure a one-two finish.
Hamilton later challenged Verstappen for the lead but could not find a way past the Red Bull driver. Verstappen eventually claimed his third victory in four races, benefiting from the battle between the Ferrari team-mates.
Leclerc also faced pressure during the closing stages after a tyre lock-up following the red-flag restart, but managed to hold off McLaren’s Lando Norris. Mercedes driver George Russell finished sixth after receiving a 10-second penalty for an incident involving Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar.
Antonelli’s achievement nevertheless remained the defining moment of the Mexico City Grand Prix, as the young Italian secured his place in Formula 1 history with a landmark championship victory.
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