Kimi Antonelli Becomes Youngest F1 Champion as Italy Celebrates Historic Title

Image: Collected

Italian driver Kimi Antonelli has become Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, sealing the 2026 title with four races still remaining. At 20 years and 68 days old, the Mercedes driver is also Italy’s first champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

A Record-Breaking Result

Antonelli needed only a ninth-place finish to secure the championship, but he delivered a composed third-place drive behind race winner Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. The result broke Sebastian Vettel’s previous record: Vettel was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first title in 2010.

The 20-year-old overcame illness during the Mexico City weekend, navigating a chaotic race that included a red-flag stoppage and a late restart. After crossing the line, an emotional Antonelli said, “We did it, we did it.”

Italy Celebrates

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Antonelli shortly after the race, calling his achievement an “extraordinary milestone” and a source of “great pride” for the nation. She said the title put an Italian driver back at the pinnacle of the sport, rewarding his talent, hard work and determination.

Italian newspapers celebrated the victory with headlines including “Kimitico,” while fans gathered at Imola and in Bologna to watch the race. Bologna, Antonelli’s hometown, announced that he will receive the city’s Nettuno d’Oro civic honor.

Tributes Pour In

Sports figures across Italy joined the celebration, including motorcycling legend Valentino Rossi and Olympic swimmer Federica Pellegrini. Tennis star Jannik Sinner also congratulated Antonelli, with fans drawing comparisons between the two young Italian champions.

Antonelli’s title is Mercedes’ first drivers’ championship since 2020 and came in only his second full F1 season.