Kimi Antonelli is the 2026 Formula 1 world champion. Third place at the Mexico City Grand Prix secured the Mercedes driver his first title with four races remaining. At 20 years and 68 days, he broke Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest champion and became Italy’s first title winner since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

A podium to secure the championship

Antonelli arrived in Mexico knowing that ninth place would be sufficient, regardless of his rivals’ results. Starting fourth, he navigated a race interrupted by a red flag and a later Safety Car without making a decisive mistake.

After the standing restart, the Italian passed Charles Leclerc and finished behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen won the Grand Prix, while Antonelli’s third place delivered the much bigger prize of the world championship. His advantage over Verstappen reached an unassailable 119 points.

Nine victories in a breakthrough season

The achievement comes in only Antonelli’s second Formula 1 campaign. Nine wins in the opening 19 races underline the strength of his season, rather than simply his ability to complete the required task in Mexico.

After the finish, Antonelli thanked Mercedes, his family and everyone who had supported his career. He admitted that he was still processing the achievement. Sharing the podium with Verstappen and Hamilton added another memorable detail to the occasion, with the newly crowned champion celebrating alongside two of the sport’s most successful drivers.

Composure when it mattered

Antonelli combined tyre management with a measured approach to the changing race conditions. The interruptions altered the strategic picture, but his priority remained clear: stay out of trouble and turn his substantial championship lead into a confirmed title.

The result was a composed performance on an afternoon when several competitors collected penalties or suffered incidents. He did more than the minimum required, finishing on the podium while keeping the championship objective firmly in view.

Mercedes still has another target

The celebrations do not end Mercedes’ work for the year. Antonelli has already pointed to the Constructors’ Championship as the team’s next objective. He will arrive in Brazil as the reigning world champion for the first time, with four further opportunities to add victories to his historic campaign.

Sources: Mercedes · Reuters