The new champion thanked Mercedes and his family after third place in Mexico City made him Formula 1's youngest World Champion and Italy's first in 73 years.
Kimi Antonelli, 20, thanked Mercedes and his family on 1 November 2026 after finishing on the podium in Mexico City to win his first Formula 1 title. Formula 1 reported that he is the sport's youngest champion and the first Italian to win in 73 years, with 380 points from 19 rounds.
Kimi Antonelli has said he is "speechless" after clinching the Formula 1 World Championship with third place at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Formula 1 reported. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver is the youngest champion in the sport's history and the first Italian to win the title in 73 years.
Max Verstappen won the race for Red Bull ahead of Lewis Hamilton, but Antonelli's podium finish took him to 380 points after 19 rounds, a total that no driver behind him can reach in the remaining races. He started fourth and moved into the top three with an overtake on Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Formula 1 said he then embraced his family and Mercedes team members and celebrated on the podium.
What Antonelli said
"We did it," Antonelli said after the race, thanking Mercedes and his family. He said he was very grateful for the moment, that he was trying to process what had happened, and that sharing the podium with Verstappen and Hamilton was "incredible".
He said he felt a little more tense than usual over the weekend, but was happy the job was done and that the team could now enjoy the rest of the season. He added that the car had been strong from early in the year and consistent, and that he had thought a title challenge was possible. Looking ahead, he said he planned to celebrate with his family, friends and the team.
A title decided in Mexico City
Formula 1 noted that Antonelli joins Hamilton, Graham Hill and Denny Hulme as drivers who have secured a world championship at this circuit.
What we know so far
- Antonelli finished third after starting fourth in Mexico City.
- He is the youngest World Champion in F1 history and Italy's first in 73 years.
- He has 380 points from 19 rounds, which rivals cannot overtake in the remaining events.
