Kimi Antonelli has secured the 2026 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship for Mercedes. The Italian driver clinched his maiden title at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, November 2, 2026. Antonelli finished third in the race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, behind race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
At 20 years of age, Antonelli becomes the youngest F1 World Champion in the sport’s history. He also marks the first Italian driver to win the championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953. This title is Mercedes’ first drivers’ championship since 2020.
Antonelli’s 2026 season was marked by significant performance, including nine Grand Prix victories. He took the lead in the standings after the third round in Japan and maintained a dominant position throughout the year. His consistency was a key factor in his championship success.
The Mercedes W17 car proved highly competitive under the new 2026 technical regulations. Its performance advantage stemmed from an efficient energy recovery system and advanced active aerodynamics. The W17 is notably smaller, narrower, and lighter than its predecessor.
Antonelli joined the Mercedes junior programme in 2019. He progressed rapidly through the junior ranks, bypassing Formula 3 to move directly from F4 to Formula 2. He made his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes in 2025.
His rookie 2025 season, where he replaced Lewis Hamilton, presented initial challenges. Antonelli experienced a difficult period during the European leg of the campaign. Despite this, he scored 150 points and achieved his maiden F1 podium in Canada.
Antonelli now joins an exclusive group of drivers who have won a Formula 1 World Championship for the Mercedes works team. This elite club previously consisted of Juan Manuel Fangio, Lewis Hamilton, and Nico Rosberg. He is the fourth driver to achieve this distinction.
Juan Manuel Fangio secured two World Championships with Mercedes in 1954 and 1955. He joined the team mid-season in 1954 from Maserati. Fangio’s W196 car was considered highly advanced for its era, contributing to his success.
Lewis Hamilton achieved six World Championships with Mercedes between 2014 and 2020. He moved to the team in 2013 from McLaren. Hamilton’s tenure coincided with Mercedes’ dominant hybrid era. He departed for Ferrari after the 2024 season.
Nico Rosberg won his sole World Championship with Mercedes in 2016. He retired from the sport just days after securing the title. Rosberg had previously won Mercedes’ first race since their return to Formula 1 at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix.
Antonelli’s championship season also saw him break several Formula 1 records. He became the youngest polesitter, the youngest driver to set a fastest lap, and the youngest to achieve a grand chelem. Rivals, including Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, have praised his performance.
As of November 2, 2026, Antonelli leads the 2026 Drivers’ Standings with 380 points. Max Verstappen is second with 261 points, followed by Lewis Hamilton with 259 points. George Russell, Antonelli’s teammate, holds fourth place with 250 points.
