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HISTORY MADE! KIMI ANTONELLI BECOMES FORMULA 1'S YOUNGEST-EVER WORLD CHAMPION AT JUST 20!

Formula 1 has a new history-maker!

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history after securing the 2026 Drivers' Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.

At just 20 years and 68 days old, the Italian broke Sebastian Vettel's record, which had stood since 2010, when the German claimed his first championship at 23 years and 134 days.

Antonelli needed only a ninth-place finish to guarantee the title, regardless of the results of his closest challengers. But the young Mercedes star delivered even more, finishing third in a dramatic 71-lap race.

A PODIUM THAT MADE HISTORY

Starting fourth on the grid, Antonelli maintained his composure throughout an eventful afternoon.

The race featured multiple incidents, safety cars and a red-flag interruption following a heavy crash involving Valtteri Bottas.

After the restart, Antonelli produced an impressive move on Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to regain third position. He held on until the chequered flag, securing his maiden world championship.

The moment also ended Italy's 73-year wait for a Formula 1 Drivers' World Champion. The previous Italian champion was Alberto Ascari, who won his second title in 1953.

VERSTAPPEN WINS THE BATTLE, ANTONELLI WINS THE TITLE

While Antonelli celebrated his championship, Max Verstappen took victory in Mexico City.

The Red Bull driver held off Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari to win by just 0.799 seconds. Hamilton finished second, with Antonelli completing the podium.

Verstappen's victory was his third of the season, but the biggest celebration belonged to Mercedes.

FROM MERCEDES ROOKIE TO WORLD CHAMPION

Antonelli's achievement is remarkable considering this is only his second season in Formula 1.

Mercedes placed enormous faith in the young Italian when he stepped into the team's seat, and he has rewarded that confidence with a championship-winning campaign.

His title also makes him only the third Italian driver to win the Formula 1 World Championship, following Giuseppe Farina and Alberto Ascari.

A NEW ERA IN FORMULA 1?

For years, Sebastian Vettel's record stood as a benchmark for young drivers. Now, Antonelli has surpassed it at an even younger age.

At 20, he has already reached the summit of motorsport.

The question now is not whether Kimi Antonelli can become a Formula 1 superstar.

It's how many more records he can break.

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