Kimi Antonelli Becomes Youngest Formula 1 World Champion at Mexico City Grand Prix

The 20-year-old Mercedes prodigy finishes third to become Italy’s first F1 champion since 1953.

Summary

Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix

At 20 years and 68 days old the Mercedes driver secured the title with four rounds remaining to become the first Italian champion since 1953

Antonelli celebrated the milestone on the podium alongside race winner Max Verstappen and second-place finisher Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has officially become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history after clinching the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix. At just 20 years and 68 days old, the Italian prodigy navigated a chaotic race to secure a third-place podium finish and become the sport’s first Italian champion since 1953.

Entering the race under the Mexico City sun, Antonelli needed only a ninth-place finish to seal the championship with four rounds remaining in the season. Driving with veteran composure in his sophomore year, he steered his Mercedes through the Foro Sol Stadium to take third behind race winner Max Verstappen and second-place finisher Lewis Hamilton. On the podium, Verstappen and Hamilton hoisted the young driver onto their shoulders in celebration.

Antonelli, who originally joined Mercedes as a 12-year-old protege, celebrated the feat alongside his parents, sister Maggie, and team boss Toto Wolff. Reflecting on the historic achievement after overcoming a turbulent rookie year, Antonelli noted, “I would not be here without Mercedes or my family. I am speechless, trying to process what just happened. A day I will remember forever.”