Kimi Antonelli became Formula 1's youngest world champion after finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1, 2026. Aged 20 years and 68 days, the Mercedes driver broke Sebastian Vettel's record. Vettel was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first title in 2010.
Max Verstappen won the race ahead of Lewis Hamilton, while Antonelli completed the top three. Antonelli started fourth and passed Charles Leclerc to reach third place. He needed only ninth place to secure the championship, regardless of where his title rivals finished.
The result brought Antonelli's total to 380 points after 19 races, putting him beyond the reach of every other driver with races still remaining. He has won nine races for Mercedes this season and claimed the championship in only his second year in Formula 1. He also became Italy's first world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953, ending a 73-year wait.
After celebrating with his family and Mercedes team members, Antonelli thanked them for helping him reach this moment. He said the team had a strong car early in the season and performed consistently. He now plans to enjoy the achievement with his family, friends, and team.
