Kimi Antonelli secured his maiden Formula 1 world championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1, 2026, becoming the sport's youngest champion at 20 years and 68 days. The Mercedes driver's achievement eclipsed Sebastian Vettel's benchmark of 23 years and 134 days, established in 2010 and unbeaten for 16 years.
While Max Verstappen claimed victory ahead of Lewis Hamilton, third place was more than sufficient for Antonelli, who needed only ninth to clinch the title regardless of his rivals' results. Having started fourth, he overtook Charles Leclerc to secure the final podium position. His total of 380 points after 19 rounds left him mathematically beyond reach in the remaining races.
With nine victories this season, Antonelli has won the championship in just his second Formula 1 campaign. He follows Juan Manuel Fangio, Jacques Villeneuve, and Hamilton in achieving that distinction, although Fangio had already competed in Grand Prix racing before the world championship began in 1950.
The title also ended Italy's 73-year wait for a successor to Alberto Ascari, who won his second championship in 1953. Antonelli's September victory at Monza had already made him the first Italian to win the Italian Grand Prix since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.
An emotional Antonelli thanked Mercedes, his family, friends, and supporters, crediting a strong car and consistent performances for the championship success. After embracing his family and team members, he said he intended to savor the achievement with them and looked forward to further battles on track.
