Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, securing the 2026 drivers' title with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old Italian, who replaced seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025, claimed his maiden championship in only his second Formula 1 campaign, with four rounds remaining.

Antonelli broke Sebastian Vettel's record as the youngest titleholder and became the first Italian to win the drivers' championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the 71-lap race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, whilst Ferrari's Hamilton finished second ahead of Antonelli.

A historic crown

Antonelli entered the Grand Prix holding a commanding points advantage, requiring only a ninth-place finish to seal the championship.

Starting fourth on the grid, he held position through a frantic opening lap in which Ferrari's Charles Leclerc seized the lead following an off-track battle with teammate Hamilton.

Antonelli briefly led as frontrunners pitted, extending his opening stint to lap 44 before trading soft tyres for mediums.

He rejoined in fourth before a crash involving Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas triggered a safety car and subsequent red flag.

"We did it! And I wouldn't be here without Mercedes and without my family. I'm speechless, I'm trying to process what's just happened," Antonelli said.

"It's been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is incredible. I look forward to more battles in the future. This weekend, I did feel a little more tense. I'm just so happy I got it done."

Verstappen took the chequered flag 0.799 seconds ahead of Hamilton, with Leclerc fourth, followed by Norris, George Russell, Oscar Piastri, Franco Colapinto, Liam Lawson, and Pierre Gasly.

SOURCE :TRT World & Agencies