The Italian smashed the record for youngest F1 World Champion after a dominant season with Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli admitted he had tears in his eyes on the final lap in Mexico City as he made history by becoming Formula One ’s youngest world champion.

The 20-year-old clinched the title by finishing third on Sunday, completing an extraordinary march to the crown in just his second season in the sport – with four rounds remaining. He needed to finish only ninth but showed composure beyond his years to navigate a chaotic race and become the first Italian champion since 1953.

Antonelli parked his Mercedes in the middle of the raucous Foro Sol Stadium, jumping out of the car and into the arms of his jubilant parents and younger sister Maggie. “I think I lost probably two seconds because I was already crying,” Antonelli said, when asked what was going through his mind. “I couldn’t see clearly ahead – and I could see two Ferraris somehow with the tears!

“A lot of memories went through my mind in that moment. All the memories since karting. So, it was a very special final lap and definitely, when I crossed the line, I let it all out because achieving one of my biggest dreams is very special. To be able to share this moment, to witness this moment with my whole family, with my team, and for my friends as well, it’s a moment that will be always remembered.”

The race was won by Max Verstappen, with Lewis Hamilton second, meaning Antonelli shared the podium with two men who have 11 world championships between them. There was a fitting moment as F1’s newest champion found himself on the shoulders of giants, Hamilton and Verstappen holding the young Italian aloft on the podium.

“I will definitely frame that picture and put it in my house, because it’s just an incredible moment. It’s great to see so much respect from two incredible drivers,” Antonelli added. During his world champion’s press conference, Antonelli became emotional when asked about Italian opera song Nessun Dorma playing as he celebrated in the stadium.

“It was very emotional for me because it was a song that my grandfather used to listen to always, so it was very special to hear that,” he said, before breaking down in tears. “So I think that he would be very proud. Oh, my word. I cried too much today! I just felt very emotional because of my grandfather, so I was very happy also for him.”

Father Marco, himself a former racing driver, has been by Kimi’s side throughout. Antonelli was signed by Mercedes at the age of 12, the karting superstar rising through the ranks before being chosen as Hamilton’s replacement in 2024.

He credits his family for helping him remain grounded on his path to F1 glory, adding: “My dad, you know, has come to basically all the races this year… it has been crucial to have such a leader. And, my mum and my sister, when they could come, but especially my dad during the whole season, was very important because he was the one keeping me grounded, especially after very hard moments. He was the one that was always there when I was facing a difficult situation or I wasn’t feeling the best.”

Antonelli has won nine races in a dominant season, with his third place in Mexico extending his title lead to a whopping 119 points over Verstappen – who rose to second place. The world champion has the right to put the number one on their car for the following season but Antonelli intends to stick to 12 – the number associated with racing hero Ayrton Senna.

“I’ll stay with number 12 because obviously it’s a very special number for me, but also it’s a way for me to stay grounded, to stay humble,” he said. “I feel like by keeping number 12, it allows me to have a new point where to start and build on everything again and try to improve.”

Antonelli will have little time to celebrate his crowning moment, saying he will spend the evening with his family, as F1 heads to Senna’s home of Brazil next weekend. The Bologna-born star does not drink alcohol but intends to toast his special moment in style after that race and before Las Vegas.

“Definitely when I will go back home, I will take time and I will organise something big,” Antonelli said. " I’ve got to enjoy the moment. And then, of course, we’re going to try to enjoy Brazil next week. Of course, it’s a very special race coming up for many reasons. Probably I won’t be in the best state in Vegas, but it’s fine right?! I’m going to enjoy the moment.”