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Kimi Antonelli celebrated into the night becoming the youngest driver to ever win the F1 World Championship at just 20. But the history-making Italian’s party wasn’t complete after the FIA blocked a request.
The Mercedes sensation smashed multiple records on his way to winning the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix with four races still to go.
Antonelli finished third and shared the podium with race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, taking the combined number of world titles on show to 12. Antonelli was hoisted aloft by his fellow former world champions as the celebrations began following the spraying of champagne.
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The Italian’s mechanics had already started revelling with Antonelli before he made his way up to the podium, and the team were finally able to pop the corks on the night’s celebrations in the paddock.
Antonelli posed for the customary pictures with his Mercedes team as he was again hoisted in the air as champagne was sprayed, drenching the nine-time Grand Prix winner.
However, Antonelli was unable to celebrate his championship moment with the trophy after the FIA blocked a special request by F1 for the trophy to be used for press photos in Mexico.
The FIA’s reasoning is tradition, with the drivers’ champion always receiving the trophy at the FIA’s end-of-year ceremony rather than at a Grand Prix.
Antonelli will have to wait until that ceremony in Shanghai on December 12, six days after the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, to finally get his hands on the trophy.
After parking his W17 in the raucous Foro Sol Stadium, he jumped out of the car to hug his jubilant parents and younger sister Maggie. Speaking about his feelings, Antonelli said: “I think I lost probably two seconds because I was already crying.
“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.”