Who is Kimi Antonelli? 20-year-old makes F1 history as youngest-ever world champion

Kimi Antonelli has achieved what no Formula 1 driver has managed before. At just 20, the Mercedes driver has become the youngest world champion in the sport's history, sealing the 2026 Drivers' Championship with a podium finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.

Antonelli finished third behind race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, but the result was enough to secure the title with four races still remaining in the season. His achievement also ended Italy's 73-year wait for an F1 world champion, with Alberto Ascari the country's last title winner in 1953.

The emotional moment came as Antonelli crossed the finish line. With his hands on the steering wheel, his voice breaking, he celebrated: "We did it, we did it."

"I'm still trying to realise and understand what just happened," the 20-year-old said after the race. He described the achievement as special and said sharing the moment with his parents and younger sister made it one he would always remember.

Antonelli entered the Mexico City race needing only to finish ninth to guarantee the championship, regardless of where his closest title rivals, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell, finished.

Starting fourth on the grid, the Italian held his position through an eventful race before moving into third after the restart. He maintained that position to the chequered flag, securing his maiden world title.

The victory in the championship also broke Sebastian Vettel's record. Vettel had been 23 when he became the youngest F1 world champion in 2010. Antonelli is now the youngest driver to claim the title at 20.

For Antonelli, the final lap was difficult to process. He said the excitement of knowing he had achieved his dream affected his concentration, adding that memories of his journey came rushing back before he could celebrate properly.

A difficult weekend before a historic achievement

Despite being close to the title, Antonelli said the build-up to the Mexican Grand Prix had not been easy. He had fallen ill during his first few days in Mexico, although he said he felt physically fit by race day.

The mental pressure was another challenge. He said repeatedly hearing congratulations before the job was complete made him realise that the championship was within reach, but also added to the pressure.

The Italian is the first driver from his country to win the Formula 1 title since Ascari in 1953. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the achievement would be celebrated across Italy and described it as the beginning of a new chapter in the sport's history.

Verstappen wins as Hamilton finishes second

While Antonelli secured the championship, Verstappen took the Mexico City Grand Prix victory after holding off Hamilton in the closing stages. The Red Bull driver claimed his sixth win at the circuit, finishing just 0.799 seconds ahead of Hamilton.

Hamilton had started from pole position but lost the lead during an opening-lap battle with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. Leclerc received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, a decision that frustrated Hamilton.

The seven-time world champion argued that Leclerc should have returned the position rather than benefiting from the penalty while maintaining clean air. Hamilton later said the incident had cost Ferrari valuable points.

The race was also interrupted by a red flag after Valtteri Bottas crashed into the barriers following a reported suspension issue. Bottas got out of the car unaided and was taken for precautionary medical checks.

Antonelli's title was the defining moment of the afternoon, but the Mexico City Grand Prix delivered a dramatic race at the front as well. With four rounds still to come, the 20-year-old has already secured his place in Formula 1 history.

With AP inputs