Antonelli's father says he cried when Kimi became champion

Marco Antonelli has said he cried when he told his son Kimi that he was World Champion, after the 20-year-old finished third at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 and F1 TV, he called the result important and said he was very proud.

Kimi started fourth, passed Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for third, and finished behind race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. That gave him enough of a points lead to take the title and made him Italy's first World Champion in 73 years. Formula 1 said he ran to his family after climbing out of the car.

What Marco Antonelli said

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Marco said his son grows stronger step by step and that this was the outcome. He described his relationship with Kimi and his daughter as special, and said a young driver needs someone on his side in both hard and happy moments. He added that he had done nothing special, only what he thinks any father does for his family.

Speaking to F1 TV, he said that over the years there were occasions when he realised Kimi was good, but that nobody can be sure a driver will one day become champion. He said last year was very difficult for Kimi, who stepped into the car of a seven-time World Champion and faced heavy pressure. He said he was happy Kimi recovered from that period and learned from it.

For Marco, the celebration was on the track, among the fans and the cars, which he called his life. Formula 1 noted that he has supported Kimi throughout his motorsport career and was seen in the Mercedes garage at times this season.

What we know so far

• Kimi Antonelli finished third in Mexico City after starting fourth.
• Max Verstappen won the race, with Lewis Hamilton second.
• Antonelli is 20 and Italy's first World Champion in 73 years.
• His father told Sky Sports F1 and F1 TV he cried when he told his son he was champion.