Historic Formula 1 victory: Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest world champion in history
He breaks Sebastian Vettel’s record
Formula 1 has witnessed a historic milestone. Italian Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, 20, has claimed his first world championship title, becoming the youngest champion in the sport’s history. He secured the overall title following the Mexican Grand Prix, where he finished third.
The result was enough to clinch the championship with four races still remaining in the season. Going into the race in Mexico, Antonelli needed only to finish in the top nine to guarantee the title, regardless of how his closest rivals performed.
In doing so, the Italian broke Sebastian Vettel’s record. The German became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in 2010, winning his first title at the age of 23 years and 134 days. Antonelli surpassed that record by more than three years.
The victory is equally significant for Italy. Antonelli is the first Italian driver in 73 years to win the Formula 1 World Championship. The last Italian to achieve this feat was Alberto Ascari, who claimed the title in 1953.
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that Antonelli is competing in only his second Formula 1 season. He made his Mercedes debut in 2025, replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Then, in March 2026, he secured his maiden Grand Prix victory in China.
Max Verstappen won the Mexican Grand Prix itself, with Lewis Hamilton finishing second. However, the weekend’s standout figure was undoubtedly Antonelli, who has reached the pinnacle of motorsport at just 20 years old.
Photo: Instagram @kimi.antonelli
