Kimi Antonelli Crowned Youngest Formula 1 World Champion

Historic Achievement for Kimi Antonelli

Mexico City, Nov 2: Kimi Antonelli has made history by becoming the youngest Formula 1 World Champion. His third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix secured him the 2026 title, while Max Verstappen clinched the race victory, followed closely by Lewis Hamilton.

At just 20 years and 68 days, Antonelli surpassed the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first championship with Red Bull in 2010.

Entering the 71-lap race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Antonelli needed only to finish ninth to secure his first F1 title, regardless of the outcomes for Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate George Russell.

"We did it! I owe this to Mercedes and my family," Antonelli expressed. "I am incredibly thankful for this moment, which I will cherish forever. I’m still trying to grasp what just happened."

Starting from fourth position, Antonelli managed to finish third, navigating through a mid-race red flag caused by a serious accident involving Valtteri Bottas and a late Safety Car due to a crash by Arvid Lindblad, as reported by Formula 1.

Verstappen achieved his third win of the season, narrowly defeating Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by 0.799 seconds. The Red Bull driver, starting from fifth on the grid, faced significant pressure from Hamilton, especially during the final laps.

Charles Leclerc finished fourth, fending off late challenges from Lando Norris in a McLaren, followed by George Russell (Mercedes) and Liam Lawson's Racing Bulls from the pit lane.

Completing the top ten were Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi), Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, who was spun out by Russell on the opening lap, and Ryo Hirakawa, making his F1 debut for Haas after a last-minute call-up.

Alex Albon led his Williams teammate Carlos Sainz just outside the points, while Oscar Piastri received a 10-second penalty for colliding with Lindblad, dropping him to P13.

Nico Hulkenberg finished P14 after also receiving a 10-second penalty for a collision with Ollie Bearman, and Alpine's Franco Colapinto was penalized for not slowing down under yellow flags.

Home favorite Sergio Perez finished P16 for Cadillac, while Alpine missed out on a double points finish as Pierre Gasly received a 30-second penalty for failing to slow under double yellow flags.

Antonelli now boasts an unassailable 119-point lead in the championship standings, with Verstappen moving into second place. Russell has dropped to fourth, trailing his teammate by 130 points.

The F1 circuit will continue with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix scheduled from November 6-8.