Mexico City: Kimi Antonelli has reportedly made Formula One history by becoming the youngest-ever world champion at the age of 20 years and 68 days, securing the title with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.
The Mercedes driver sealed the championship after extending his advantage to an unassailable 119 points, becoming the first Italian to win the Formula One drivers’ title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
It was an emotional moment for Antonelli, who broke down in tears over the team radio as he crossed the finish line at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. His race engineer Peter Bonnington congratulated him, saying, “Get in there, Kimi. Champion of the world.”
The young Italian responded emotionally: “We did it. Thank you so much.”
His family, including his parents and sister, were present to celebrate the historic achievement, joining the Mercedes team in welcoming him after he stepped out of his car.
Antonelli Breaks Vettel’s Longstanding Record
With the reported achievement, Antonelli would surpass Sebastian Vettel as Formula One’s youngest world champion.
Vettel previously held the record after winning his first of four consecutive championships with Red Bull in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days.
Antonelli also becomes the first Italian world champion since Ascari, who secured his second consecutive title in 1953.
Speaking after the race, Antonelli admitted that he was struggling to comprehend the magnitude of his achievement.
“I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened,” he said.
“It’s been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible. Looking forward to some more battles in the future.”
He also revealed that the pressure of the championship battle had affected him during the weekend.
“On the last lap, I just backed off, because I just couldn’t see the track. I was getting emotional. So it was just good to bring it home,” Antonelli said.
Verstappen Wins Dramatic Mexico City Grand Prix
While Antonelli celebrated the championship, Max Verstappen claimed victory in a dramatic and interruption-filled race.
The Red Bull driver secured his second win of the season after a red-flag interruption and a restart, finishing ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who took second place.
Antonelli completed the podium in third, while Charles Leclerc finished fourth. McLaren’s outgoing champion Lando Norris came home fifth, with Mercedes teammate George Russell finishing sixth.
The race featured multiple incidents, two safety car periods and a lengthy 33-minute interruption, making it one of the most eventful races of the season.
Bottas Crash Triggers Red Flag
The biggest interruption came on lap 46 of the scheduled 71 when Valtteri Bottas suffered a high-speed front-left suspension failure on the main straight.
His Cadillac went out of control before crashing into the barriers at Turn One, prompting race officials to stop the race.
Bottas received medical attention inside the car before managing to walk towards an ambulance, giving a reassuring thumbs-up to those watching. He was taken to the medical centre and subsequently released.
Following the restart, Verstappen maintained the lead, with Hamilton attempting to challenge him. Antonelli also moved ahead of Leclerc during the closing stages.
Another safety car was deployed after a collision involving Lindblad and Oscar Piastri. The race eventually resumed with nine laps remaining, allowing Verstappen to hold on for victory.
Hamilton and Leclerc Clash as Russell Suffers
Ferrari’s Hamilton had started from pole position, marking his first pole for the team in a full Grand Prix.
However, his race was complicated by an early battle with teammate Leclerc. The two went wheel-to-wheel in the opening corners, with Leclerc cutting Turn Four and going across the grass during their fight for the lead.
Verstappen capitalised on the situation to move ahead, prompting Hamilton to express his frustration over the team radio.
“Pushed out by my own teammate,” Hamilton complained.
Leclerc subsequently received a five-second penalty, although Hamilton remained behind him following their respective pit stops.
Russell, meanwhile, endured a difficult afternoon after dropping from the front row to fifth following a poor start. He later collided with Isack Hadjar, sending the Red Bull driver off track, and was handed a 10-second penalty by the stewards.
Mercedes Close in on Constructors’ Championship
The reported drivers’ championship success has put Mercedes in a strong position to complete a memorable season with the constructors’ title.
Mercedes lead the constructors’ standings with 630 points, ahead of Ferrari on 504.
With the championship battle reaching its conclusion, Mercedes could potentially secure the constructors’ crown at the Brazilian Grand Prix next weekend.
For Antonelli, however, the focus will be on celebrating what would be a landmark achievement in Formula One history.
