Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen welcomed Formula 1's newest world champion Kimi Antonelli in memorable fashion, lifting the 20-year-old Mercedes driver on their shoulders after the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.

Antonelli became the youngest-ever F1 world champion after finishing third behind race winner Verstappen and Hamilton in Mexico City. With the Italian having done enough to seal the drivers' championship with four races remaining, the podium celebration turned into a moment of recognition for a driver who had just written his name into the sport's history books.

As the three drivers stood together on the podium, Hamilton and Verstappen briefly spoke to each other before deciding to lift Antonelli on their shoulders. The Mercedes youngster was greeted by loud cheers from the crowd as the two multiple-time world champions celebrated his achievement.

It was a fitting moment involving three drivers who represent different chapters of Formula 1. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has been one of the defining figures of the sport over the past two decades. Verstappen dominated the start of the current decade, winning four consecutive titles between 2021 and 2024. Antonelli, meanwhile, has now emerged as the newest champion, taking over the spotlight at just 20.

The gesture from Hamilton and Verstappen added to the significance of Antonelli's achievement. Both have spent years at the top of Formula 1, and their celebration offered a memorable welcome to the young Italian as he joined their ranks.

ANTONELLI BREAKS VETTEL'S RECORD

Antonelli secured his maiden world championship at 20 years and 68 days, becoming the youngest driver to win the Formula 1 title. He broke the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first championship in 2010.

The Italian also became the first driver from his country to win the world championship in 73 years, ending a long wait for Italy to have a champion in Formula 1.

Antonelli's title was built on a season of remarkable consistency. He entered the Mexico City Grand Prix with nine race victories and 16 podium finishes to his name, giving him a commanding position in the championship standings.

The Mercedes driver needed to finish ninth or better in Mexico City to secure the title, irrespective of what his rivals achieved. Starting fourth on the grid, he kept himself in contention through a race that was interrupted by a red flag after Valtteri Bottas crashed.

Antonelli eventually passed Charles Leclerc for third place around Lap 48. With Verstappen and Hamilton ahead of him, the Italian focused on securing the result he needed rather than taking unnecessary risks. He held on to third, completing the final step towards a championship that had already been shaped by his performances throughout the season.

"It's a day I will remember forever," Antonelli said after the race. "Thank you to my team, my family and everyone who supports me. It's starting to feel real now, I'm going to enjoy every bit."

He also credited Mercedes for providing him with a competitive car and the consistency required to sustain his title challenge.

"We had such a strong car, and we were so consistent, I knew we had a chance. Just so glad we could finish it off," he added.

VERSTAPPEN WINS, HAMILTON FIGHTS BACK

While Antonelli celebrated the championship, Verstappen and Hamilton had their own battle to settle at the front of the field.

Verstappen crossed the finish line in 2:20:28.772, edging Hamilton by just 0.799 seconds to claim victory. The result continued a strong run for the Dutchman, who had now won three of the past four Grands Prix.

Verstappen admitted that the race had not been straightforward, despite getting the result he wanted.

"I had a very good first lap," he said. "We had a good strategy, I do think we lacked a little bit of pace but we hung in there."

The Red Bull driver also acknowledged the pressure of keeping Hamilton behind him in the closing stages.

"It was tough. I was sweating at the end to keep Lewis behind," he added.

Despite missing out on victory, Hamilton finished second, with the pair separated by less than a second at the chequered flag. Their battle provided the competitive backdrop to a race that ultimately belonged to Antonelli for a much bigger reason.

Verstappen was also quick to acknowledge the scale of the Italian's achievement, particularly given his age.

"It is incredible, what a season (Antonelli) has had, and to do this at such an age ... I'm sure this is a very emotional day for him, and I am very proud of him," Verstappen said.

Antonelli, meanwhile, was still trying to take in what he had achieved after the race.

"Without them I wouldn't be here, without Mercedes and my family," he said. "It's a special moment and one that will live forever. I'm speechless, I'm trying to process what just happened."

The young champion also reflected on sharing the podium with two drivers whose careers have helped define modern Formula 1.

"It's been an incredible season, to share this podium with Max and Lewis is really incredible. I'm looking forward to more battles in the future," he added.

MERCEDES STRENGTHEN CONSTRUCTORS' LEAD

Antonelli's championship triumph also capped a strong campaign for Mercedes in the constructors' standings. The team moved to 630 points, establishing a 126-point lead over Ferrari with four races remaining.

In the drivers' championship, Verstappen's victory lifted him to second place with 261 points, moving him two points ahead of Hamilton, who stood on 259. With Antonelli having secured the title, the battle between the two established champions for the runner-up position became the main contest left in the standings.

For Antonelli, however, the celebrations in Mexico City offered a moment to savour. After a season that delivered nine victories, 16 podiums and a record-breaking championship, he was welcomed into Formula 1's most exclusive club by two of its biggest modern stars.

The image of Hamilton and Verstappen lifting the young Italian on their shoulders provided a fitting end to the race, bringing together the sport's recent past and present to celebrate its newest world champion.

- Ends