Kimi Antonelli Becomes Youngest F1 World Champion at Mexico City Grand Prix
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli finished third at the Mexico City Grand Prix to win the 2026 Formula 1 world title at just 20 years and 68 days old, the youngest champion in the sport’s history.
Title Sealed With Four Races Left
Kimi Antonelli arrived in Mexico City needing only two points, which meant finishing in the top nine. He did more than enough, finishing third to collect 15 points and clinch the 2026 world championship.
The Italian now has 380 points. He leads second-placed Max Verstappen by 119 points, with only four races and a maximum of 100 points left. That means no one can catch him.
A New Record
At 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli is the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. He broke the record held by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first title in 2010.
Antonelli is also the first Italian world champion in 73 years. Before him, only Giuseppe Farina (1950) and Alberto Ascari (1952 and 1953) had won the title for Italy. He won the championship in only his second season, matching Lewis Hamilton in 2008 and Jacques Villeneuve in 1997.
From Rookie to Champion
Antonelli came through the Mercedes young driver programme and joined the F1 team in 2025 at the age of 18. His first season had ups and downs. This year, Mercedes made a strong start under the new technical rules.
In the second race of the season in China, Antonelli became the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history and took his first win. He won again at the next race in Japan, moved to the top of the standings and has stayed there ever since.
How the Race Unfolded
Antonelli started fourth and had moved up to third before a red flag on lap 44, caused by a crash for Valtteri Bottas. After the restart, Hamilton passed him, but Antonelli got back into third when Charles Leclerc locked his tyres. He crossed the line 4.006 seconds off the lead.
Verstappen won the race, finishing just 0.772 seconds ahead of Hamilton, who started from pole position.
Champions Celebrate Together
On the podium, Verstappen and seven-time champion Hamilton lifted Antonelli onto their shoulders to celebrate his title. Antonelli thanked Mercedes and his family, saying he would never forget this moment. He also said it was amazing to share the podium with Verstappen and Hamilton, and that he hopes for more battles with them in the future.
Vettel sent Antonelli a video message of congratulations. He reminded the new champion that every race matters just as much, and that there are always more races to win.
First Point for Hirakawa
There was also a special moment for Japan’s Ryo Hirakawa. The 32-year-old made his F1 debut for Haas as a stand-in for Esteban Ocon. He started 18th and finished 10th to score his first F1 point.