Kimi Antonelli clinched his first Formula 1 world championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1, 2026, becoming the youngest champion in the sport's history at 20 years and 68 days old. The Mercedes driver finished third behind race winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton.
Antonelli's title came with several races remaining in a season he dominated. He needed only to avoid trouble to secure the championship, and a composed drive amid chaotic late-race incidents, including a red flag and multiple safety cars, saw him cross the line in a tight three-car train with Verstappen and Hamilton.
The race was marked by tension at Ferrari, where Charles Leclerc's aggressive first-lap move on teammate Hamilton sparked controversy. Leclerc was given a five-second penalty for cutting the chicane and gaining the lead, which ultimately cost Ferrari a potential one-two finish. Hamilton expressed frustration, saying the team needed "serious talks."
Verstappen claimed his third win in four races, benefiting from the Ferrari intra-team battle. The top ten also included Leclerc fourth, Lando Norris fifth, George Russell sixth, Oscar Piastri seventh, Franco Colapinto eighth, Liam Lawson ninth, and Pierre Gasly tenth.
Antonelli broke Sebastian Vettel's record for youngest champion by three years and 66 days, and became the first Italian to win the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953. The next race is the São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos from November 6-8.
