Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has made motor racing history by becoming Formula One’s youngest ever world champion. The 20-year-old Italian secured the crown with a composed third-place finish behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic and crash-hit Mexico City Grand Prix.
At just 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli shattered the previous age record held by Sebastian Vettel by more than three years. He also became Italy’s first drivers’ champion since Alberto Ascari claimed the title in 1953, capping off a remarkable breakthrough season with his sixteenth podium finish.
Race Drama and Red Flag Stoppage
Sunday’s grand prix delivered intense racing action, featuring multiple safety car interventions and a 45-minute red flag stoppage following a heavy crash by Valtteri Bottas in his Cadillac. The opening lap saw immediate friction inside the Ferrari garage when Charles Leclerc tangled with pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton, drawing a subsequent time penalty for the Monegasque driver. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen capitalized on the early chaos to surge from fifth to second on the opening lap.
- Kimi Antonelli finished third behind race winner Max Verstappen and runner-up Lewis Hamilton.
- Verstappen secured his record-extending sixth victory in Mexico and the 74th win of his career.
- Valtteri Bottas triggered a red flag after suffering a suspension failure and crashing heavily at Turn One.
- Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton clashed on the opening lap, sparking internal friction.
Championship Triumph and Future Outlook
After navigating a tense restart for a 25-lap sprint to the finish, Antonelli held his nerve behind veteran champions Verstappen and Hamilton. An emotional Antonelli expressed his gratitude over the team radio after crossing the finish line to secure the world title. Mercedes teammate George Russell finished sixth in the race, unable to prevent the young Italian from sealing the championship. Verstappen held off a charging Hamilton in the closing laps to take the chequered flag by 0.799 seconds, while Antonelli safely claimed the final podium step to etch his name into Formula One history.
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