Kimi Antonelli, the 2026 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion, has fulfilled a pre-season commitment by dyeing his hair in the Italian tricolore. This celebratory gesture mirrors a distinctive look famously adopted by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi in 1998. Antonelli’s action follows his recent title victory and Mercedes’ concurrent Constructors’ Championship success.
Antonelli secured his maiden world title at the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1, 2026, with a third-place finish. At 20 years and 68 days old, he became the youngest F1 World Champion in the sport’s history. This achievement also marked the first time an Italian driver had won the championship in 73 years, since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
The Italian driver’s hair, now red, white, and green, was revealed upon his arrival at the Mercedes factory in Brackley. Mercedes shared the moment on social media, noting Antonelli had indeed honoured his promise. The inspiration, Valentino Rossi, sported a similar tricolore hairstyle during his 1998 MotoGP season.
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team also clinched the 2026 Constructors’ Championship at the São Paulo Grand Prix on November 8, 2026. This marks their ninth Constructors’ title and their first since the 2021 season. The team now stands level with Williams for third on the all-time list of Constructors’ titles.
The success of the Mercedes W17 car in 2026 is attributed to the new technical regulations. The car features a revised power unit with a near 50:50 split between internal combustion and electrical power. The MGU-H component was removed, and the MGU-K output significantly increased.
The W17 also incorporates new active aerodynamics, including movable front and rear wings, designed to balance drag and downforce. These changes, alongside a lighter chassis, contributed to the car’s early season dominance. Mercedes’ energy recovery system and active aero implementation provided a performance advantage.
Antonelli’s F1 career began in 2025 with Mercedes, making 2026 his second season in the sport. He joined the Mercedes Junior Programme in 2019 and progressed rapidly through junior categories, notably skipping Formula 3 to move directly into Formula 2 in 2024. He replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for his F1 debut.
Throughout the 2026 season, Antonelli secured nine Grand Prix wins, seven pole positions, and 19 podium finishes from 44 starts. He won his first Grand Prix in China and became the youngest championship leader after the Japanese Grand Prix.
Antonelli has confirmed he will retain his personal race number 12 for the 2027 season, declining the option to use the number 1 plate traditionally reserved for the reigning champion. He cited superstition and a desire to remain grounded as reasons for this decision.
Regarding personal rewards, Antonelli plans to purchase a new car to celebrate his title. While F1 championship prize money goes to teams, Antonelli is expected to receive a significant bonus on top of his estimated $2 million base salary for 2026. Total earnings, including bonuses, are projected to reach around $11 million.
The 2026 Formula 1 season, comprising 23 Grands Prix, is set to conclude with a triple-header. The remaining races include the Las Vegas Grand Prix (November 19-21), the Qatar Grand Prix (November 27-29), and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 4-6).
