Kimi Antonelli claims the Formula One crown – his season in pictures

back

Back

Kimi Antonelli claims the Formula One crown – his season in pictures

The 20-year-old Italian becomes the youngest F1 champion. From Shanghai to Mexico City, we look at his record-breaking season

Antonelli jumps into the sea after becoming the youngest winner of the Monaco Grand Prix in June. Photograph: Alex Bierens de Haan/LAT Images

A then 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli prepares for the second race of the 2026 season – the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on 15 March.Photograph: Sam Bloxham/LAT Images Share

Kimi Antonelli, leading from pole, navigates a bend at the Shanghai International Circuit.Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images Share

An overjoyed Antonelli celebrates after winning his first grand prix in China.Photograph: Jakub Porzycki/Reuters Share

A fan of Antonelli shows her support before the next race at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. Photograph: Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images Share

Antonelli takes the chequered flag at Suzuka to become the youngest driver to lead the F1 championship.Photograph: Franck Robichon/EPA Share

Antonelli runs to celebrate with his Mercedes team after victory in Japan. Photograph: Andy Hone/LAT Images Share

Arriving for practice in style at the Miami International Autodrome. Photograph: Héctor Vivas/Formula 1/Getty Images Share

Antonelli (bottom right) vies for position with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during the Miami Grand Prix in May.Photograph: Cristóbal Herrera/EPA Share

Antonelli produced a gutsy performance in Miami to extend his championship lead to 20 points.Photograph: Peter Fox/Getty Images Share

Driving off the track during the sprint race before the Canadian Grand Prix.Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA Share

In the Mercedes AMG Petronas during the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in May.Photograph: James Sutton/Formula 1/Getty Images Share

Antonelli beat Lewis Hamilton into second place in Montreal after race leader and teammate George Russell was forced to retire.Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images Share

In action during the Monaco Grand Prix in June.Photograph: Andrej Isaković/AFP/Getty Images Share

Antonelli finished a disappointing 16th at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, but still led the standings by 25 points after the race. Photograph: Paulo Maria/DPPI/Shutterstock Share

Antonelli focuses before the qualifying session of the Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps track.Photograph: Sarah Meyssonnier/ Reuters Share

Heading for Eau Rouge turn during the Belgian Grand Prix in July. Photograph: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto/Getty Images Share

Back to winning ways, Antonelli kisses the trophy at Spa-Francorchamps.Photograph: Jakub Porzycki/Reuters Share

Antonelli leads teammate Russell and Max Verstappen during his home race at Monza in Italy in September.Photograph: Peter Fox/Getty Images Share

Antonelli held off Russell to end Italy’s 60-year wait for a home win at Monza.Photograph: Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images Share

Crowd surfing with the jubilant Italian fans.Photograph: Xavi Bonilla/DPPI/Shutterstock Share

Kimi Antonelli leads Carlos Sainz during the Spanish Grand Prix at Madring in September.Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images Share

Antonelli became the first driver to win at the much-criticised new circuit.Photograph: David Davies/PA Share

Leading Max Verstappen in the rain at the Bahrain Grand Prix, held at Sepang in Malaysia. Antonelli eventually came second to Verstappen, but moved within touching distance of the championship.Photograph: Alberto Vimercati/DPPI/Shutterstock Share

Antonelli finished third in Singapore on 11 October to give himself a mathematical chance of clinching the title in the next race. Photograph: DPPI/Shutterstock Share

Antonelli went into the US Grand Prix knowing he would be world champion if he won, George Russell finished ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton was fifth or lower.Photograph: Xavi Bonilla/DPPI/Shutterstock Share

The Italian ace upheld his part of the deal by triumphing in the Lone Star State – but results behind him postponed his title celebration.Photograph: Antoine Lapeyre/Reveries Agency/ABACA/Shutterstock Share

On the cusp of history: Antonelli knew he was all but certain to claim the title in Mexico.Photograph: Florent Gooden/DPPI/Shutterstock Share

Antonelli is hoisted aloft after coming third and sealing the title.Photograph: Steven Tee/LAT Images Share

You may like

Antonelli becomes youngest F1 champion at 20 years old

straitstimes.com 1 hour ago

Kimi Antonelli makes F1 history with title win at Mexico City Grand Prix, Max Verstappen takes ra...

sportsmole.co.uk 1 hour ago

Kimi Antonelli cherishes ‘a day I will remember forever’ as he makes history

independent.co.uk 43 minutes ago

Why Kimi Antonelli is F1’s most surprising champion in 17 years

independent.co.uk 1 hour ago

Kimi Antonelli crowned F1 world champion after third-place finish in Mexico

independent.co.uk 1 hour ago

New F1 world champ Kimi Antonelli can be one of the greats and has nothing to prove, says Wolff

straitstimes.com 1 hour ago

‘He’s done an insane job’: Antonelli’s rivals unite in praise for F1’s youngest champion

theguardian.com 43 minutes ago

F1 champion Antonelli grew up to the sound of engines and smell of exhausts

straitstimes.com 1 hour ago

Antonelli can be one of the greats and has nothing to prove, says Wolff

straitstimes.com 1 hour ago

Norris says Antonelli deserves more credit for 'insane job' this season

straitstimes.com 1 hour ago

All the best breaking news stories from Apex Scores Lite. Optimised for feature phones and low end Android devices, Apex Scores Lite helps users with legacy devices and poor network connectivity access the latest football news and live scores. Particularly relevant for breaking football news in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.