Kimi Antonelli clinches 2026 F1 title in dramatic Mexico City race
Antonelli secured the title with a podium finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix, sharing the podium with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Kimi Antonelli became Formula One’s youngest world champion after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, the race that clinched the 2026 title for the 20‑year‑old Mercedes driver.
What happened
Starting the race needing only a ninth‑place finish to seal the championship, Antonelli navigated a chaotic Grand Prix to finish third behind Max Verstappen, who won, and Lewis Hamilton, who was second. The podium ceremony took place in the Foro Sol Stadium, where Antonelli jumped out of his Mercedes and was embraced by his parents and sister Maggie.
What the reports add
Both Independent articles note that Antonelli’s third‑place finish gave him the title with four rounds still to run, making him the first Italian champion since 1953 and the youngest champion at 20 years and 68 days. One piece quotes Antonelli saying he lost “two seconds because I was already crying” and that he could see “two Ferraris” through his tears. The other article records his radio call‑out “we did it” and his description of the final lap as a moment when “all the memories since karting” flooded his mind.
What was said
Antonelli told the Independent, “I think I lost probably two seconds because I was already crying… I couldn’t see clearly ahead – and I could see two Ferraris somehow with the tears!” He added, “All the memories since karting… when I crossed the line, I let it all out because achieving one of my biggest dreams is very special.”
How it came about
Felo News previously reported that Antonelli needed only a ninth‑place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix to clinch the title (Antonelli could clinch F1 title with ninth‑place finish in Mexico). Earlier coverage noted his narrow loss to Lando Norris in final practice (Norris edges Antonelli by 0.001s in Mexico City Grand Prix final practice) and his absence from the media day due to a viral illness (Antonelli misses Mexican Grand Prix media day with viral illness). Those pre‑race developments set the stage for his historic finish.
Key facts
- Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula One world championship by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix. (independent.co.uk)
- He became the youngest champion at 20 years and 68 days, the first Italian champion since 1953. (independent.co.uk)
- Max Verstappen won the race and Lewis Hamilton finished second. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-10-29 — Antonelli missed Mexican Grand Prix media day due to viral illness.
- 2026-10-31 — Norris edged Antonelli by 0.001 seconds in final practice.
- 2026-11-01 — Antonelli could clinch title with ninth‑place finish in Mexico.
