Kimi Antonelli, 20, has become the youngest F1 world champion after the Mercedes driver finished third at the Mexico City Grand Prix to clinch the title

Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest F1 world champion after successfully navigating a chaotic Mexico City Grand Prix.

Antonelli started fifth on the grid and only needed to finish ninth to clinch the title. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver crossed the line in third place to make history in Mexico as the youngest ever Formula 1 world champion in history at 20 years and 68 days, surpassing Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days when he won in 2010.

Mercedes engineer Peter Bonnington said on the team radio: "Get in there, Kimi. Champion of the world!"

Team Principal Toto Wolff then said: Kimi, we did it! World champion! We did it!" Antonelli was in tears as he replied: "We did it! Thank you so much."

Max Verstappen won the race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez with Lewis Hamilton second, but the day was all about Antonelli. He became the first Italian to win the drivers' championship in 73 years.

Antonelli was handed an Italian flag and celebrated with his Mercedes team, as well as his mum, dad and sister.

“We did it, we did it. I wouldn’t be here without Mercedes, without my family, so I’m very grateful for this moment and it’s one that will live forever," he said. “I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened."

He added: “It’s been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible. And looking forward to some more battles in the future. This weekend I did feel a bit more tense, but I’m just so happy that we got it done, and now we can enjoy the rest of the season.”

Race winner Verstappen, who has four titles to his name, praised Antonelli after his victorious moment. "It's incredible, of course. What a season he had," the Dutchman said.

"To do that also at such an age is really, really impressive. It's amazing to see the whole team celebrating with him, his family is here as well. I'm sure this is a very emotional day for him and I'm very proud of him."

Antonelli was also hailed by McLaren's Lando Norris ahead of the deciding race on Sunday. "He's done an incredible job and done it in a pretty incredible way," Norris said.

"People are saying he hasn't had any tough competition this year. That proves the point that he's done such an incredible job. He's got a very, very talented team-mate that he's beaten through the whole season.

"I have nothing but respect for Kimi. He's a very nice guy. We get along very well and I'm more than happy to pass the No 1 over to him.

He deserves it. He's done an incredible job, especially in his second year in Formula 1. Youngest world champion, it's pretty insane. I enjoy other people having that kind of success. It's nice to see."