Kimi Antonelli, a 20-year-old Mercedes driver, has won the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship, becoming the sport's youngest champion. He secured his first world title with a third-place finish in the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, 1 November. The Italian driver needed a ninth-place finish to settle the championship, regardless of his closest rivals' results, and finished comfortably above that threshold.
The Mexico City Grand Prix was won by Max Verstappen of Red Bull, with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton finishing second. Antonelli started fourth and moved ahead of Charles Leclerc after the restart to claim the final podium place. Verstappen crossed the line 0.799 seconds ahead of Hamilton, with Antonelli 4.006 seconds behind the winner. This result marked a significant achievement for Antonelli, who has accumulated 380 points across 19 rounds.
Antonelli's championship win marks a milestone for Italy, as he is the country's first world champion in 73 years. In his post-race reaction, Antonelli credited Mercedes and his family, describing a season built on a strong car and consistent performances. He also mentioned feeling additional pressure during the Mexico weekend. The championship win is a testament to Antonelli's skill and dedication.
The 2026 Formula 1 season has seen Antonelli consistently perform at a high level, ultimately leading to his championship win. His ability to handle pressure and secure a podium finish in a high-stakes race has earned him recognition in the F1 community. Antonelli's achievement is a significant moment for the sport, as he becomes the youngest champion in F1 history.
The championship continues with the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend from 6 to 8 November, according to Formula 1's published race report. Antonelli will look to continue his momentum and secure further victories in the remaining races. His championship win has set a high standard for future drivers, and he will be a driver to watch in the coming seasons.
Antonelli's achievement has been met with congratulations from the F1 community, with many praising his skill and dedication. His championship win is a testament to the hard work and effort of his team, including Mercedes and his family. As the youngest champion in F1 history, Antonelli's achievement will be remembered for years to come.
The 2026 F1 season has seen several notable performances from drivers, including Antonelli, Verstappen, and Hamilton. The championship battle was intense, but Antonelli's consistent performances ultimately led to his title win. As the F1 community looks ahead to the remaining races, Antonelli's championship win will be a major talking point.
Key points
- Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest F1 champion at 20 years old.
- Antonelli secures his first world title with a third-place finish in the Mexico City Grand Prix.
- Antonelli is Italy's first world champion in 73 years.
