Kimi Antonelli creates history, becomes youngest ever Formula 1 world champion

Kimi Antonelli has etched his name into the annals of motorsport history, officially becoming the youngest Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion at just 20 years and 68 days old. Antonelli, the Italian prodigy sealed his maiden title at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez during the Mexico City Grand Prix, crossing the finish line on the podium to amass an unassailable points lead in the championship standings.

In doing so, Antonelli shattered a record held for 16 years by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days old when he claimed his first championship with Red Bull in 2010."

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Rewriting The Record Books

Antonelli's championship triumph caps off a meteoric rise through the single-seater ranks. Competing in only his second season in Formula 1 with Mercedes-AMG Petronas, the Bologna-born star has repeatedly showcased generational speed and mature racecraft far beyond his years.

Over the course of the 2026 campaign, Antonelli set multiple benchmarks:

• Youngest World Champion: At 20 years and 68 days, surpassing Sebastian Vettel (23y, 134d), Lewis Hamilton (23y, 300d), and Fernando Alonso (24y, 58d).  
   
• Italian Glory Restored: Antonelli ended a 73-year drought for Italy, becoming the first Italian driver to win the Formula 1 World Championship since Alberto Ascari secured back-to-back crowns in 1952 and 1953.  
• Milestones Along The Way: The season saw him claim accolades as the youngest-ever pole sitter, youngest championship leader, and the youngest driver to reach five career Grand Prix victories.  

A Decisive Campaign

Having taken commanding Grand Prix victories earlier in the year at circuits like Shanghai, Suzuka, Montreal, Monaco, and Monza, Antonelli navigated the high-pressure title fight against veteran heavyweights with composure.

While Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took the race win in Mexico City ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli’s third-place finish provided the crucial haul of 15 points needed to put the drivers' crown mathematically out of reach for his rivals.

As the chequered flag waved and team radio erupted with celebration, Antonelli took his place at the pinnacle of international motorsport, ushering in a new era for Formula 1.

"We did it. And, you know, without them, I wouldn’t be here. Without Mercedes, without my family," said new World Champion Kimi Antonelli.

"So I’m very grateful for this moment, and it’s one that will live forever. And I just, I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened," he added.

The F1 paddock will move straight on to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from November 6-8.