Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest Formula One champion at Mexico Grand Prix

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has secured the Formula One World Drivers Championship by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, according to BBC News and the Daily Mail. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the race, while Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton finished in second place, both outlets reported. [1][4]

At 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli is the youngest world champion in Formula One history, BBC News and the Daily Mail both reported. Al Jazeera noted prior to the race that Antonelli qualified fifth but started fourth on the grid, needing only a ninth-place finish at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez to claim the title. He crossed the finish line behind Verstappen and Hamilton to secure the championship, BBC News added. [1][3][4]

BBC News reported that the grand prix was interrupted by a red flag, which resulted in a 25-lap sprint to the finish line. Antonelli drove a calm race despite chaotic conditions and rising tensions between Ferrari team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, according to BBC News. Over the Mercedes team radio, race engineer Peter Bonnington informed Antonelli of his title victory as the driver reacted emotionally, the Daily Mail said. [1][4]

Antonelli drives for Mercedes and won the World Drivers Championship in 2026 after debuting in Formula One in 2025, having collected nine grand prix victories in his career. Race winner Max Verstappen competes for Red Bull Racing and won four consecutive drivers championships between 2021 and 2024. [10][11]