Kimi Antonelli has reportedly made Formula One history by becoming the sport’s youngest-ever world champion after securing the 2026 drivers’ title at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Monday morning.
The 20-year-old Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver clinched his maiden championship with a third-place finish in a race won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton finished second.
At 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest F1 world champion. Vettel was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first title with Red Bull in 2010.
The achievement also reportedly ended Italy’s 73-year wait for an F1 world champion, with Antonelli becoming the country’s first title winner since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Antonelli secured the championship with a 119-point advantage over his closest rival, making it impossible for anyone to catch him with four races remaining in the season.
Overwhelmed by the achievement, the young Italian admitted he was still struggling to process the moment.
“I cannot say anything. I am still trying to understand what has just happened.
“It has been an incredible season, and sharing the podium with Max and Lewis makes this moment even more special,” he said after the race.
Antonelli also credited Mercedes and his family for playing a crucial role in his journey towards his first world title.
“I would not be here without Mercedes and my family. I am incredibly grateful for this moment, and it will stay with me for the rest of my life,” he said.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, meanwhile, believes Antonelli has all the qualities needed to become one of the greatest drivers in F1 history.
Wolff said the young driver had silenced critics who questioned Mercedes’ decision to promote him at such a young age.
He also expressed confidence that Antonelli could win more championships if Mercedes continued to provide him with a competitive car.
“This kid does not need to prove anything anymore. He has proven over the last eight years that he is one of the best,” Wolff said.
The reported title triumph came in Antonelli’s second F1 season, following his debut in 2025. It also marked a major vindication of Mercedes’ decision to choose him as Hamilton’s replacement after the seven-time world champion moved to Ferrari.
