Rewrote Formula 1 history! Phenomenal Antonelli becomes the youngest world champion!
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been crowned the 2026 Formula 1 world champion! The Mercedes driver secured the historic title after the Mexican Grand Prix, finishing third and moving beyond the reach of his nearest rivals in the standings. Max Verstappen of Red Bull celebrated victory in the race, while Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in second for Ferrari.
It is the first championship title of the 20-year-old driver's career. Moreover, Antonelli has set a unique record: at 20 years and 68 days, he became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. The previous record belonged to Sebastian Vettel, who won his first title at the age of 23 years and 134 days in 2010.
Another historic milestone is that Antonelli has become Italy's first world champion in 73 years. The last Italian to reach the pinnacle of motorsport was the legendary Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Thus, the young Mercedes driver has capped an incredible season and etched his name into the history of the pinnacle of motorsport. Formula 1 has a new champion, while Italy has finally returned to the summit after more than seven decades.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
