November 2026 : Twenty-year-old Kimi Antonelli made Formula One history in Mexico on Sunday, becoming the youngest world champion in the sport’s history with four races still remaining in the season.
The Italian secured the title after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, behind two former world champions, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. His podium finish put him beyond the reach of Mercedes teammate George Russell and seven-time world champion Hamilton, the only drivers who could still mathematically challenge him.
Overcome with emotion, Antonelli was in tears as he crossed the finish line. His achievement has brought a fresh wave of excitement to the Formula One paddock, where his performances and personality have won widespread admiration.
At 20 years and 68 days, Antonelli has comfortably broken the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 133 days old when he won his first world title in 2010. He is also the first Italian to become Formula One world champion since Alberto Ascari, 73 years ago.
A Remarkable Second Season
Antonelli entered Formula One in 2025 at just 18 years old and has produced an outstanding campaign in his second season. Mercedes has enjoyed a dominant year, but the young Italian has consistently outperformed his British teammate Russell.
After finishing second to Russell in the season-opening race in Australia, Antonelli went on to win the next five Grands Prix. Heading into Mexico, he had secured nine victories from 18 races, alongside six additional podium finishes.
His speed, confidence and racecraft were particularly evident at Monza, where he started 19th and fought his way through the field to claim a commanding victory at his home Grand Prix. In the process, he overtook Russell, who had started from pole position. The performance was widely regarded as one of the finest of his career.
Racing Roots and Family Support
Antonelli is the son of Elisabetta, who stays away from the public spotlight, and Marco, a former racing driver and team principal. He began karting at the age of seven, although his father initially opposed the idea of him pursuing a professional racing career.
“He didn’t want me to become a driver because motorsports can be very cruel at times, especially financially, since it’s very hard to succeed without the support of the right people,” Antonelli said before the United States Grand Prix.
“He taught me everything he knew, first about racing, and now about life. It’s really important to have him by my side during races.”
Antonelli’s talent was recognised early. At 11, he was recruited by Frenchman Gwen Lagrue, head of the Mercedes junior driver programme, where seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton became his mentor.
Hamilton praised the young Italian’s achievement, saying, “He’s incredibly impressive and deserves to be world champion.”
With Antonelli now established as Formula One’s youngest champion, Hamilton’s record of seven world titles could one day become a target for his protégé.
