Kimi Antonelli becomes Formula 1’s youngest world champion

At 20 years and 68 days, Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, securing the 2026 title with third place at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver sealed the championship in only his second season, with four races still to go.

Nine wins this season helped Antonelli build a lead his rivals can no longer overturn. He left Mexico 119 points clear, breaking the age record set by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first title in 2010.

Clinching it still demanded composure. A crash involving Valtteri Bottas halted the race, but after the restart Antonelli overtook Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to reach third. He held that position through another interruption, finishing behind race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Tearful over team radio, Antonelli thanked his team before embracing his parents and sister. He acknowledged feeling more tense that weekend and credited his family and team with helping him reach this point.

The championship makes him Italy’s first Formula 1 title-holder since Alberto Ascari in 1953. It also gives Mercedes its first drivers’ title since Hamilton’s in 2020.