Photo via The Race

New F1 champion Antonelli 'made everyone look silly'

Formula 1’s 2026 world champion, Kimi Antonelli, has dominated the season with a level of consistency and skill that has left rivals in awe, according to multiple drivers. At just 20 years old, Antonelli secured the title by finishing third in the Mexican Grand Prix, a result that cemented his status as the youngest champion in F1 history.

His performance has been so impressive that even his closest competitors, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, have publicly praised his achievement. Antonelli’s ability to outperform his teammate, George Russell, throughout the season—winning more races and maintaining near-flawless execution—has been particularly notable.

With only two seasons under his belt, he has already surpassed expectations, delivering podium finishes and race victories while rarely making mistakes. The weight of leading the championship for nearly the entire season has not fazed him, and his success has been widely celebrated by peers who acknowledge his hard work and natural talent.

The significance of Antonelli’s triumph was underscored by his podium position alongside Hamilton and Verstappen, two of the sport’s most iconic champions. His rise to the top has been marked by relentless dedication, adaptability, and an uncanny ability to maximize his car’s potential.

Norris, the outgoing champion, called Antonelli’s season ‘unbelievable,’ emphasizing how he has redefined what it means to excel in F1 at such a young age. The young driver’s journey—from qualifying at the back of the grid to winning from the front—has been nothing short of extraordinary, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

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