Kimi Antonelli was crowned the youngest-ever Formula 1 world champion on Sunday after the Italian star finished third behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
That podium told the story of Formula 1’s recent past, present and future: Hamilton, the greatest driver of his generation with a record-tying seven drivers’ championships; Verstappen, who dominated the start of this decade with four consecutive titles from 2021-24; and Antonelli, who wrote his name in the record books thanks to nine wins and 16 podiums this year.
Antonelli has risen to 380 points with four races remaining. Verstappen (261) snuck past Hamilton (259) in the standings, but they will be racing for second the rest of the way.
Antonelli celebrated his first F1 world championship at 20 years and 68 days old, more than three years younger than Germany’s Sebastian Vettel when he set the previous record in 2010.
“It’s a day I will remember forever,” Antonelli said. “Thank you to my team, my family and everyone who supports me. It’s starting to feel real now, I’m going to enjoy every bit.
“We had such a strong car, and we were so consistent, I knew we had a chance. Just so glad we could finish it off.”
Verstappen crossed the finish line in 2:20:28.772, edging Hamilton by 0.799 seconds. The Red Bull Racing star has won three of the past four Grand Prix.
“I had a very good first lap,” Verstappen said. “We had a good strategy, I do think we lacked a little bit of pace but we hung in there.
“It was tough. I was sweating at the end to keep Lewis behind.”
The Dutchman was also among those who took time to congratulate Antonelli, who also became the first Italian world champion in 73 years.
“It is incredible, what a season (Antonelli) has had, and to do this at such an age … I’m sure this is a very emotional day for him, and I am very proud of him,” Verstappen said.
Antonelli started the race in fourth and needed to finish ninth or better to secure the championship on Sunday no matter what his peers did. He had a relatively drama-free run, though the race was interrupted by a red flag around Lap 45 when Valtteri Bottas crashed.
Antonelli managed to pass Charles Leclerc for third around Lap 48, and the Mercedes driver was in fine shape the rest of the day.
“Without them I wouldn’t be here, without Mercedes and my family,” Antonelli said. “It’s a special moment and one that will live forever. I’m speechless, I’m trying to process what just happened.
“It’s been an incredible season, to share this podium with Max and Lewis is really incredible. I’m looking forward to more battles in the future.”
Mercedes now sits at 630 points in the constructors’ championship standings, a healthy 126-point lead over Ferrari.
–Field Level Media
