Kimi Antonelli Crowned Youngest F1 Champion, Ends Italy’s 73-Year Wait

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli became the youngest world champion in Formula One history at the age of 20 after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, securing the title with four races remaining.

Antonelli crossed the finish line behind race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, overwhelmed by the achievement. The Italian secured an unassailable lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell and Hamilton in the championship standings.

“I’m still trying to realise and understand what just happened,” Antonelli said, describing the moment as the fulfilment of one of his biggest dreams. He celebrated with his parents and younger sister.

Antonelli became the first Italian to win the F1 world title since Alberto Ascari in 1953, breaking Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest champion. Vettel had won his first championship at 23 in 2010.

The Mercedes driver said the weekend had been mentally challenging, with repeated congratulations making him realise how close he was to the title. He had also fallen ill earlier in Mexico but said he felt physically fit on race day.

Verstappen claimed his sixth Mexico City Grand Prix victory, strengthening his remarkable record at the circuit. The race was interrupted on Lap 46 after Valtteri Bottas crashed into a wall at the first corner following problems with his right-side suspension. Cadillac said Bottas underwent further medical assessments as a precaution after exiting the car unaided.

At the restart, Verstappen retained the lead and went on to win, ahead of Hamilton and Antonelli. Hamilton, who started from pole position, criticised a five-second penalty imposed on Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc following an incident between the two drivers. Hamilton argued that the decision disadvantaged him and said Ferrari needed to address the situation.

Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali hailed Antonelli’s achievement, saying the young driver had joined the sport’s legends and that his championship could mark the beginning of an extraordinary legacy.

The championship celebrations now precede the next rounds in Brazil and Las Vegas, while uncertainty remains over the scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi amid regional instability.