RismadarVoice Reporters
November 2, 2026
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest Formula One world champion in history after finishing third at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix, securing the 2026 drivers’ title with four races remaining.
The Italian claimed his maiden championship at 20 years and 68 days, breaking the record previously held by Sebastian Vettel, who won his first title in 2010 at 23 years and 134 days.
Antonelli also became the first Italian driver to win the Formula One World Championship since Alberto Ascari achieved the feat for Ferrari in 1953.
The historic achievement came during a dramatic 71-lap race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, where Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed victory ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen finished 0.799 seconds ahead of Hamilton, while Antonelli crossed the line 4.006 seconds behind the winner.
The Mercedes driver entered the race needing only a ninth-place finish to secure the championship, regardless of the results of his closest rivals.
Starting fourth, Antonelli navigated several incidents, including an opening-lap battle between Hamilton and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
The race was later interrupted by a red flag following a heavy crash involving Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas, prompting repairs to the circuit’s safety barriers.
A late safety-car period also followed an accident involving Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad.
Despite the interruptions, Antonelli maintained his composure to secure third place and become Formula One’s newest world champion.
Overcome with emotion after crossing the finish line, the Italian thanked Mercedes and his family for supporting his journey to the championship.
He described the achievement as a defining moment in his career, acknowledging the sacrifices and support that helped him reach the sport’s highest level.
Leclerc finished fourth, followed by reigning champion Lando Norris in fifth and Antonelli’s Mercedes teammate George Russell in sixth.
Oscar Piastri, Franco Colapinto, Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly completed the top 10 in the FIA’s published race classification.
Antonelli’s championship victory marks a major milestone for Mercedes, which continues to lead the constructors’ standings.
With four rounds remaining, the Italian has established an unassailable lead in the drivers’ championship, confirming his place in Formula One history.
