Kimi Antonelli has revealed that he has already framed the photograph of his championship celebrations with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen following his historic Formula 1 title triumph at the Mexican Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver secured his maiden world championship in Mexico, where he shared the podium with two of the sport's most successful drivers. Verstappen claimed victory ahead of Hamilton, while Antonelli's third-place finish was enough to secure the title.

The celebrations produced one of the most memorable images of the weekend, as Hamilton and Verstappen joined Antonelli in marking his achievement. The Italian, who grew up watching both drivers compete at the highest level, admitted that their spontaneous gesture made an already extraordinary occasion even more special.

Antonelli keeps special memory of Hamilton and Verstappen

Speaking ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Antonelli revealed that he hopes to meet both drivers again to thank them personally for their involvement in his championship celebrations.

"I hope I can see him (Hamilton) today or tomorrow, but as well to see Max to to thank them for for what they did. I look back at the podium and what they did, you could see it was genuine. It was real, and that's the best about it."

The 20-year-old explained that he has already taken steps to preserve the memory, with the photograph of the celebrations now framed: "It was such a crazy memory that I will carry with me forever. I already framed the picture and definitely would put it on on the wall because it's such a moment that who would have said it, that I wouldn't I wouldn't have expected to to celebrate my title in that way."

Photo: Race Pictures

Antonelli was particularly touched by the fact that the gesture came from two drivers who have played such significant roles in Formula 1 history.

"When they beat me up, it was at the cherry on top of the cake, and I will be thankful towards them for doing that because to receive that from two incredible drivers who have done the the history of the sport is very special."

"And also even more special because it was real. It was something that they actually wanted to do. It was a very special moment, and definitely. I hope I can see them again to to thank them properly with a bit of calm because it was just very special."

Antonelli pays tribute to Hamilton ahead of milestone

The Italian also paid tribute to Hamilton, who is celebrating his 400th Formula 1 race weekend in Brazil. Antonelli pointed to the seven-time world champion's longevity and determination as qualities he hopes to emulate throughout his own career.