Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest Formula One world champion in history after securing the 2026 drivers’ title at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver needed only to finish ninth at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, but claimed third place as Max Verstappen won the race and Lewis Hamilton finished second.
Kimi Antonelli makes Formula One history
Antonelli sealed the championship in only his second season in Formula One, aged 20 years and 68 days. He is also the first champion born in the 21st century and the youngest driver to win the title for Mercedes.
The Italian is the first driver from his country to become world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. He replaces Sebastian Vettel as the youngest champion, with Vettel having secured the title at 23 years and 134 days in 2010.
Lewis Hamilton had previously held the record after winning his first championship at 23 years and 300 days in 2008.
Antonelli had already made his mark earlier this year by becoming Formula One’s youngest pole-sitter at the Chinese Grand Prix. He also became the first Italian to win at Monza since 1966.
His parents, Marco and Veronica, and his younger sister, Maggie, were present in Mexico City as he celebrated with the Mercedes team.
“We did it. And, you know, without them, I wouldn’t be here. Without Mercedes, without my family,” Antonelli said after the race. “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.”
Antonelli and Mercedes team-mate George Russell will now turn their attention to the constructors’ championship. Mercedes lead the standings with 630 points, ahead of Ferrari on 504, and could secure the teams’ title at next weekend’s race in Brazil.
