Kimi Antonelli Claims Formula 1 World Championship in Mexico City
Kimi Antonelli secured the Formula 1 drivers’ world championship at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix to become the sport’s youngest-ever champion at 20 years and 68 days old. The Italian driver clinched the title in just his second season with Mercedes, surpassing the previous age record held by Sebastian Vettel by three years and 65 days. He also became the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described Antonelli as a role model for the sport, contrasting him with what he termed entitled drivers on the grid. “Look at this kid of 20 years and then think what you can do in order to improve,” Wolff said, praising the young driver’s clean approach to racing. Race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton hoisted Antonelli onto their shoulders during the post-race celebrations in Mexico City.
Drivers' and Constructors' standings after the #MexicoGP, round 19 of the FIA Formula One World Championship 🇲🇽#FIA #F1 pic.twitter.com/N3vxhOZtvi
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Departure Triggers Mercedes Gamble
The sequence that brought Antonelli to Mercedes began when Mercedes announced in August 2024 that they were fast-tracking him into one of Formula 1’s most desirable seats. Mercedes had scouted Antonelli since he was 12. After a private testing programme, Mercedes promoted him to F1.
During a weekend where he faced a decision to take an engine penalty that dropped him to 19th on the grid, Antonelli produced a performance that Wolff described as: “Underwhelming this weekend, underwhelming. You can’t put the car in the gravel bed and expect to be there.”
Torch, passed 🤝 Lewis Hamilton's message to Kimi Antonelli, who scores a first championship since proceeding Lewis at Mercedes 🩵#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/62Iq8TvzJL
Antonelli Secures Maiden F1 Win During Five-Race Streak
The 2026 season introduced technical regulations. While Mercedes produced a strong car, team-mate George Russell entered the year as the title favorite. Russell claimed victory in Melbourne, but Antonelli responded by securing his maiden F1 win in China. That success sparked a run of five consecutive victories, including a win in Monaco, establishing a championship lead he maintained through the remainder of the year.
Antonelli delivered a legendary drive at Monza. Taking an engine penalty that dropped him to 19th on the starting grid, Antonelli carved through the field to secure a victory that drew comparisons to historic drives by Verstappen in Brazil in 2024, Hamilton in Germany in 2018, and Michael Schumacher in Belgium in 1995. He followed that performance with a dominant win at the United States Grand Prix.
A mighty run to Turn 1 from behind the pole-sitter in Mexico City ⚡️ 📊 Race start insights powered by @awscloud#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/Y7v4taefZo
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Title Defense
With the championship secured in Mexico, Antonelli confirmed his race number plans for the 2027 season. Despite being entitled to use the number one reserved for the reigning champion, the Mercedes driver will retain number 12. Antonelli explained that the number, used by his idol Ayrton Senna when he won his first title in 1988, helps him stay grounded and humble, and he is superstitious regarding the number one.
The Formula 1 paddock moves next to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from November 6–8 for the final leg of the triple header, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antonelli’s Championship Season
How many race victories did Kimi Antonelli secure during his 2026 championship campaign?
Antonelli secured nine race victories over the course of the 2026 season.
Who held the record as the youngest Formula 1 world champion prior to Antonelli?
Sebastian Vettel held the record previously, having been three years and 65 days older than Antonelli when he won his first world title.
Which drivers could mathematically prevent Antonelli from winning the title heading into Mexico City?
Only Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Lewis Hamilton retained mathematical chances of catching Antonelli in the drivers’ standings prior to the Mexican Grand Prix.
What does Antonelli cite as his reason for keeping race number 12 for 2027?
Antonelli stated that number 12 keeps him grounded and humble, honors his idol Ayrton Senna, and avoids number one due to past superstitions.
Earlier coverage: Historic F1 World Title for Kimi Antonelli Amid Ferrari Chaos in Mexico
More on Kimi Antonelli
KIMI ANTONELLI IS THE 2026 F1 WORLD CHAMPION!!! 🏆 The youngest to ever do it at 20 years and 68 days old!#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/AtRw2RZsg9
Written in Mexico. Sealed in history. Kimi Antonelli is the youngest 2026 Formula 1 World Champion 🏆🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/BzLLUZ0YAG
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