Kimi Antonelli clinches F1 world title with third place in Mexico

The Italian Mercedes driver secured the 2026 championship, becoming the sport's youngest champion and the first Italian title‑holder since 1953.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:41:19 GMT

Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, according to the Independent and Bleacher Report.

What happened

Antonelli, 20, needed only a ninth‑place finish to clinch the title. He finished third behind Max Verstappen, who won the race, and Lewis Hamilton, who was second. The result gave Antonelli the championship with a points lead that made the title mathematically certain.

What the reports add

The Independent noted that Antonelli’s podium made him the youngest champion in F1 history, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s record set in 2010. It also highlighted that he is the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Bleacher Report added that Antonelli replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025 and that his victory marks the first Mercedes drivers' championship since 2020.

What was said

"We did it," Antonelli said, according to Formula1.com. "Without them, I wouldn't be here – without Mercedes, without my family. I'm very grateful for this moment, and it's one that will live forever. I'm speechless."

Bleacher Report quoted Antonelli expressing his emotions after the race. The Independent reported that Hamilton was furious after a first‑lap scuffle with teammate Charles Leclerc, while Verstappen celebrated his sixth win in Mexico.

How it came about

Earlier Felo coverage explained that Antonelli entered the weekend needing a ninth‑place finish to clinch the title (Antonelli could clinch F1 title with ninth‑place finish in Mexico). A practice session the day before saw Lando Norris edging Antonelli for pole by 0.001 seconds (Norris edges Antonelli by 0.001s in Mexico City Grand Prix final practice). Antonelli had missed the Thursday media day due to a viral illness but returned for practice (Antonelli misses Mexican Grand Prix media day with viral illness). His season included a string of victories and podiums that built a dominant points lead.

Key facts

Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 world champion at 20 years and 68 days. (independent.co.uk)
Antonelli secured the title by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix. (independent.co.uk)
He is the first Italian F1 champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. (independent.co.uk)
Mercedes won its first drivers' championship since 2020. (bleacherreport.com)