Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday, November 1, 2026. This achievement made him the youngest F1 champion in the sport’s history.
Antonelli, driving for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, clinched the title with a third-place finish in Mexico City. He entered the race needing only to finish ninth to confirm his maiden F1 crown.
At 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s record by over three years, becoming the youngest F1 champion ever. He is also the first Italian driver to win the world championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has described Antonelli as a ‘different breed’ of F1 champion. Wolff highlighted the Italian’s values, stating he represents humility, integrity, loyalty, and respect.
This notion of win at all costs. Selfish, opportunistic, ruthless for your own benefit – that model of racing driver has died. We have a new champion that represents values like humility, integrity, loyalty, respect.
Wolff further commented that Antonelli’s journey to the championship was challenging. He suggested that Antonelli might not have endured the setbacks, including a difficult Formula 2 season and a period without points in his rookie F1 year, at any other team.
Mercedes, however, maintained faith in their data and assessment of Antonelli’s personality and potential. Wolff stated the team focused on developing, nurturing, mentoring, and protecting him.
Currently, Antonelli is in Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix, which is taking place from November 6-8, 2026. Today, Sunday, November 8, is race day at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
Antonelli has expressed his goal to win the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend. He is racing with a tribute helmet to Ayrton Senna and has met with the Senna family in Sao Paulo.
He continues to race with the number 12, opting against using the number one traditionally reserved for the reigning champion. This choice is a homage to his idol, Ayrton Senna.
Senna used the number 12 during his first F1 title win in 1988 with McLaren, and also during his time with Lotus from 1985 to 1987. Antonelli was inspired by watching Senna’s races on DVDs.
Ayrton Senna made his Formula 1 debut in 1984 at the age of 23. He secured his first World Championship in 1988 when he was 28 years old.
Antonelli, at 20, is four years younger than Senna was at his F1 debut. He could potentially match or exceed Senna’s three world titles by the time he reaches 24.
Antonelli debuted in Formula 1 with Mercedes in 2025, replacing Lewis Hamilton. He has secured nine Grand Prix victories and 19 podium finishes from 43 starts in his F1 career.
His contract with Mercedes was extended for the 2026 season on October 15, 2025. Reports indicate his current deal runs until at least the end of the 2027 season.
Antonelli’s base salary for 2026 is reported to be between $3.4 million and $4 million. Performance bonuses could increase his total earnings for the season to approximately $12 million to $13.8 million.
