Andrea Kimi Antonelli has secured the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, becoming the sport’s youngest-ever title winner. The Mercedes driver clinched the championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix by finishing third.
Antonelli, at 20 years and 68 days old, surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s record. Vettel had held the distinction since 2010, when he won his first title at 23 years, four months, and 11 days old.
The Mexico City Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen take the victory for Red Bull. Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, finished in second position.
Antonelli’s third-place finish was sufficient to secure the title with four rounds remaining in the 2026 season. He arrived in Mexico with a significant points lead over his closest rivals.
The Italian driver had accumulated 365 points, placing him 123 points ahead of teammate George Russell. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was 124 points behind Antonelli entering the Mexico GP.
Antonelli’s 2026 season has been marked by dominance, including nine victories and seven pole positions. He has achieved 19 podium finishes across 19 Grands Prix this year.
He took the lead in the Drivers’ Standings at the third round of the championship. This followed consecutive wins at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix.
Antonelli also recorded a streak of five consecutive victories, spanning from the Chinese Grand Prix to the Monaco Grand Prix.
His other wins in 2026 included Miami, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Austin. Notably, he won his home Grand Prix in Italy after starting from 19th on the grid.
Sebastian Vettel conveyed a video message to Antonelli, congratulating him on the achievement. Vettel recalled the impact of his own first championship win in 2010.
I didn’t sleep properly for days, so be prepared. But I remember the feeling once it sank in, holding the world championship trophy in my hands and reading all the other champions’ names.
Vettel praised Antonelli’s approach to racing, noting his curiosity, quick learning, and fearlessness. He also highlighted Antonelli’s clean and controlled driving style.
The four-time champion offered advice, stating that while achievements might alter how others perceive a driver, it should not change how a driver perceives others.
Antonelli is the third Italian driver to win the Formula 1 World Championship. He is the first Italian champion in 73 years, ending a long drought for the nation.
The previous Italian champions were Giuseppe Farina, who won the inaugural title in 1950, and Alberto Ascari, who secured back-to-back championships in 1952 and 1953.
Antonelli’s championship comes in only his second season in Formula 1. He made his debut with Mercedes in 2025, replacing Lewis Hamilton.
His rookie season in 2025 was described as a ‘roller-coaster,’ with performance struggles during the European races. He scored points only twice across a nine-race period.
Antonelli admitted to experiencing pressure during this period but credited Mercedes for their support. The team’s protection was vital for his development.
He debuted at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, becoming the third-youngest driver in F1 history at 18 years and 203 days old. He achieved his maiden podium in Canada during his rookie year.
Mercedes confirmed Antonelli and George Russell as their driver lineup for the 2026 season in October 2025.
