Kimi Antonelli Makes History as Youngest F1 World Champion

Mexico City, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has praised Kimi Antonelli for his historic victory. The Mercedes driver secured the 2026 Drivers’ Championship with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.

At just 20 years old, Antonelli claimed the title at the prestigious Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, making him the youngest world champion in motorsport history. This victory also ended Italy’s 73-year wait for a homegrown world champion.

Domenicali remarked, “Today, Kimi Antonelli has made history. Becoming the youngest Formula 1 world champion is an extraordinary achievement, demonstrating his remarkable talent, courage, and determination. I am immensely proud that Kimi is the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Our country has waited 73 years for this moment, and today, the entire nation will celebrate as one of its own reaches the pinnacle of this sport.”

Antonelli knew that finishing in the top nine of the 71-lap race would secure his championship, regardless of the outcomes for his closest rivals, Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Starting from fourth on the grid, he delivered an impressive performance under pressure. The race was interrupted by a significant accident involving Valtteri Bottas, necessitating a red flag, followed by a safety car deployment due to a crash by Arvin Lindblad.

By finishing third, Antonelli successfully clinched the championship, while Max Verstappen won the race ahead of Hamilton. Antonelli’s achievement surpasses Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest Formula 1 world champion. When Vettel won his first title in 2010 at 23 years and 134 days, Antonelli accomplished the feat at just 20 years and 68 days.

Beyond the record books, Domenicali believes Antonelli’s success will deeply inspire emerging drivers worldwide. His remarkable achievement serves as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through determination and hard work. He added, “Greatness is not measured solely by records but by the generations it inspires. Kimi has captured the hearts of millions and shown young people that dedication, belief, and hard work can turn dreams into reality. Today’s youth will see in Kimi a figure who proves that the biggest dreams can come true.”

Antonelli’s championship win has positioned him among the sport’s most significant names, giving Italy a fresh face to celebrate on the global motorsport stage. For Domenicali, this achievement could signal a major start to Antonelli’s career.

He stated, “Today, his name has joined the ranks of legends in our sport. A new chapter has been written in Formula 1 history, and I am confident this is just the beginning of a remarkable legacy. Congratulations to Kimi, Mercedes, and his family for this incredible achievement. The entire Formula 1 community is proud to celebrate this special moment with him.”

With 119 points, Antonelli now holds an insurmountable lead in the championship standings, while Verstappen sits in second place. Russell has dropped to fourth, trailing his Mercedes teammate by 130 points. The Formula 1 season will continue with the São Paulo Grand Prix from November 6-8. Following this historic weekend for Antonelli and Italian motorsport, the entire paddock is set to head to Brazil.