Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest F1 world champion at Mexico City Grand Prix

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured the Formula One world title at age 20 on Sunday, finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix to become the youngest champion in the sport's history.

Antonelli clinched the championship at 20 years and 68 days old, surpassing the record previously held by Sebastian Vettel, who won his first title at age 23 in 2010. The Italian driver needed to finish ninth or better to secure the trophy and managed a third-place finish behind race winner Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. Euronews reported that Antonelli is the first Italian to hold the world title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

The race was headlined by Verstappen's sixth victory in Mexico City, a feat the Red Bull driver described as a result of things always coming together for him at the circuit. While Hamilton started on pole, he lost the lead during a battle with teammate Charles Leclerc on the fourth lap. Euronews reported that Hamilton appeared visibly irritated after the race, suggesting the team had the pace to win despite his eventual second-place finish.

Antonelli's path to the podium included navigating a red flag around Lap 45 caused by a Valtteri Bottas crash. The new champion admitted the final lap was emotional, stating he struggled to see the track ahead because of his excitement. His family joined him for the celebrations, following a weekend that began with Antonelli missing media obligations due to illness.

With four races remaining in the season, Antonelli holds 380 points. According to Deutsche Welle, Verstappen moved into second place in the standings with 261 points, just ahead of Hamilton at 259. The circuit is scheduled to move to Brazil and Las Vegas next, though outlets noted uncertainty regarding the final rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi due to regional instability.

Background

Prior to this victory, the record for the youngest Formula One champion had stood since 2010, when it was set by Sebastian Vettel. Antonelli is the first representative of his country to win the championship in over 70 years.