Kimi Antonelli has become Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, bringing a title campaign to a close with four rounds still remaining. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver arrived at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez needing only ninth place to secure the championship, regardless of how his closest rivals performed. He went several places better, crossing the line behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to claim his maiden drivers’ crown and break Sebastian Vettel’s age record. At 20 years and 68 days, he is three years younger than Vettel was when he won his first title.

Also Read | Aryan Narola Wins Two F4 Race at Buddh International Circuit

Antonelli seals a place in F1 history

Antonelli started fourth and stayed in contention through an afternoon. His title was not decided by a victory or last-lap move; he delivered the measured drive Mercedes needed. He is now F1’s youngest champion and Italy’s first since Alberto Ascari in 1953. The achievement came in only his second season in the championship.

Antonelli needed only ninth place to secure the crown, regardless of his rivals’ results. Third gave him the points required, and the celebrations began after he took the chequered flag.

Verstappen wins after Ferrari battle

Hamilton started from pole, but Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc challenged through the opening corners. Leclerc went off track while completing the move and received a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage. The battle compromised Hamilton’s exit, allowing Verstappen to pass both Ferraris. George Russell dropped from the front row to sixth before colliding with Isack Hadjar. The Mercedes driver received a 10-second penalty.

Verstappen, who started fifth and was the driver on medium tyres, stayed close to Leclerc before the pit stops. Leclerc stopped on lap 28 and served his penalty during the visit. Verstappen changed to soft tyres and emerged ahead, taking control of the race. Antonelli stayed out longer and briefly led before making his stop on lap 43.

Red flag and late Safety Car add drama

Valtteri Bottas suffered a left-front suspension failure under braking at Turn 1 and hit the barriers. The Safety Car came out before a red flag was shown for repairs. Bottas was checked at the medical centre and released without injury. The stoppage lasted around 33 minutes before a standing restart. Hamilton passed Leclerc at the restart, and Antonelli moved into third on the next lap. Leclerc then defended from Lando Norris. A second Safety Car followed after Oscar Piastri and Arvid Lindblad made contact, sending the Racing Bulls driver into the barriers with eight laps left.

Also Read | F1 Mexico Grand Prix 2026: Schedule, Title Race and Live TV Guide

Verstappen controlled the restart and resisted Hamilton to win by 0.799 seconds. Antonelli finished 4.006 seconds behind, ahead of Leclerc and Norris. Russell took sixth, with Piastri seventh after starting 12th. Verstappen claimed his third win of 2026 and sixth Mexico City Grand Prix victory. Hamilton’s second place could not stop Antonelli’s celebrations. The champion thanked Mercedes and his family, saying he was processing the achievement. F1 heads to Brazil for the round on 6-8 November.

Editor - Neha

Neha is the Co-Director & Editor at sportselite.in, drawn to the stories that give Sports their energy beyond the scoreboard. She brings clarity, context, and a human perspective to coverage across Elite Sports, from standout performances to shifting team dynamics and memorable contests. At sportselite.in, Neha helps turn complex sporting developments into engaging stories, keeping readers connected to the people and moments behind the action.

© 2026 all copyrights reserves