Antonelli Makes Formula 1 History as Youngest-Ever World Champion at 20

Kimi Antonelli has made history by becoming the youngest Formula 1 World Champion at just 20 years and 68 days old, after securing the 2026 Drivers’ Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver clinched his maiden championship on Sunday, November 1, after finishing third in a dramatic race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.

Antonelli entered the race needing only a ninth-place finish to guarantee the championship, regardless of the results of his closest challengers, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell. However, the Italian exceeded expectations by securing a podium finish.

His achievement ends Sebastian Vettel’s 16-year reign as the youngest Formula 1 world champion. Vettel previously held the record after winning his first title at 23 years and 134 days in 2010.

The 2026 triumph also makes Antonelli the first Italian driver to win the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship since Alberto Ascari achieved the feat in 1953.

The Mexico City Grand Prix was won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, while Antonelli secured third place to seal the title.

The race was marked by several dramatic moments, including multiple crashes, safety-car interruptions and a 33-minute stoppage following an accident involving Valtteri Bottas.

Antonelli’s championship success comes in only his second season in Formula 1, marking a remarkable rise for the young Italian, who has established himself among the sport’s leading drivers.

With four races remaining in the season, Antonelli has already secured his place in Formula 1 history, delivering a landmark achievement for Mercedes and Italian motorsport.