Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship on October 31, 2026, at the Mexican Grand Prix. This achievement establishes him as the youngest champion in the sport’s 76-year history. He is also Italy’s first world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Antonelli, aged 20 years and 68 days, surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s previous record of 23 years. His championship victory with Mercedes underscores a significant missed opportunity for Ferrari, Italy’s Maranello-based team.
The Italian driver’s career began at five years old in karting. He was signed by Minardi Management at eight. By 2018, at the age of 12, Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Programme.
Between 2018 and 2022, Antonelli won 18 different karting championships. His progression continued into single-seater racing, where he secured Formula Regional titles in the Middle East and Europe during 2023.
Ferrari had the opportunity to integrate Antonelli into their driver development structure. However, Maurizio Arrivabene, then Ferrari Team Principal, stated in 2018 that the team lacked the infrastructure to manage such young talents.
Arrivabene also noted that Ferrari was focused on promoting Charles Leclerc to Formula 1 at the time. This internal priority meant that Rivola’s recommendation for Antonelli was overruled.
Mercedes capitalised on Ferrari’s assessment, securing Antonelli for their junior programme. Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal, later selected Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season.
Antonelli bypassed Formula 3, moving directly into Formula 2 for the 2024 season. He finished sixth overall in F2, securing two race victories. His F1 race weekend debut occurred at Monza in 2024 during a practice session.
His rookie F1 campaign in 2025 showed flashes of talent, including becoming the youngest driver to qualify for an F1 pole position in Miami. However, it was also marked by numerous mistakes.
The 2026 season, featuring new car regulations, proved more favourable for Antonelli. The new power unit regulations retained the 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged internal combustion engine but removed the MGU-H.
The MGU-K output increased to 470 bhp, and the power units now operate with a 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power. These changes, along with narrower tyres, suited Antonelli’s driving style.
Antonelli’s 2026 season was characterised by consistency, achieving 9 wins, 7 pole positions, and 19 podium finishes across 19 rounds. He finished outside the top five only twice.
Key victories included his maiden F1 win from pole position in China, followed by a five-race winning streak. He also secured wins at Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps, and Austin.
His performance at Monza was notable, where he started 19th due to an engine penalty. Antonelli advanced through the field, overtaking Russell for the lead on lap 34 of 53 to secure an emotional home win.
Russell, initially a pre-season favourite, finished fourth in the 2026 championship standings. He experienced two retirements, costing him 40 points. In Mexico, he received a 10-second penalty for spinning Isack Hadjar.
Antonelli’s championship advantage over Russell extended to 123 points after the United States Grand Prix. He secured the title with four races remaining in the season.
The championship was sealed at the Mexican Grand Prix on October 31, 2026. This confirmed Antonelli as the youngest F1 World Champion.
