Photo via The Race

Antonelli clinches title as Ferrari mess helps Verstappen win

Kimi Räikkönen’s son, **Kimi Antonelli**, made history at the Mexican Grand Prix by securing his first Formula 1 world championship at just 20 years old, becoming the youngest driver ever to claim the title. The victory came after a chaotic race where Antonelli finished third, capitalizing on a mix of strategic brilliance and the misfortunes of his rivals.

Early drama unfolded when **Charles Leclerc** and **Lewis Hamilton** collided at Turn 4, with Leclerc receiving a five-second penalty for cutting the corner—sparking Hamilton’s fury over what he saw as a lenient stewards’ decision. Verstappen, meanwhile, capitalized on the confusion to overtake Hamilton and take the lead, ultimately winning his third race in four grands prix as Antonelli’s podium sealed the championship in his second F1 season.

The race was further disrupted by a red flag after **Valtteri Bottas** crashed his Cadillac at Turn 1, though he escaped injury. Hamilton’s late charge for third was thwarted by a stewards’ ruling that reinstated his position ahead of Antonelli before the restart, but Leclerc’s struggles with tyre damage and a lock-up allowed Antonelli to overtake him for third.

**George Russell**’s title hopes faded after a poor start and a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with **Isack Hadjar**, while Leclerc held off **Lando Norris** for fourth. Verstappen’s dominance and Antonelli’s breakthrough marked a defining day in F1’s 2024 season.

Up nextFormula 1· 2h ago

Max Verstappen fires dig at Ferrari after opportunistic Mexico GP win: "They made it difficult for themselves"