Kimi Antonelli has clinched his first Formula 1 world title at the Mexico City Grand Prix, becoming the youngest world champion in the history of the sport. He sealed the championship on a podium shared with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, both of whom summed up his achievement with the same word: "Incredible." Antonelli said he would frame the picture and hang it in his house, calling it a special moment to receive such respect from two drivers who have made the history of F1.
The title arrives at the end of only his second season in the series. Antonelli was drafted into Mercedes last year, replacing Hamilton, amid claims that he was too inexperienced, and his debut campaign was largely shaky, with only flashes of promise. Team-mate George Russell comfortably beat him that year, and when it became clear Mercedes would start this season with the best car, Russell was the favourite for the championship.
Antonelli's development over the winter changed that picture. He finished the opening race on Russell's tail, took his maiden victory in the second round and reeled off five consecutive wins to take control of the standings. Even after Mercedes' early-season advantage was wiped out by rivals, he remained a constant factor and never looked like surrendering the lead, while Russell has now slipped behind both Verstappen and Hamilton in the points table. The result has been a season of one driver's domination, with Antonelli's consistency removing almost all jeopardy from the title fight.
Verstappen highlighted his solidity at such a young age, his avoidance of big mistakes and the fact he beat an experienced team-mate, adding that he was proud of how Antonelli handled himself all season. Outgoing champion Lando Norris said the title could not have gone to a better person, describing Antonelli as a genuine and very kind man who had "blown everyone away" and made the rest of the field look silly against the best drivers in the world. Damon Hill, commentating for BBC Radio 5 live, said he sees nothing other than Antonelli getting better and better, although he will also have to go through hard times.
Antonelli said the difficulties of last year were formative. He recalled that some people said he did not belong in F1 or was not ready, and admitted he probably looked that way at points, but said those low moments and high-pressure situations made him more mature as a driver and as a person. He argued that going straight into Mercedes, under the spotlight, made him grow faster than a move to a smaller team would have, and acknowledged he still had tense moments this season, including qualifying in Mexico.
The emotion of the moment was evident afterwards. Antonelli said he was crying so hard on the final lap that he could not see clearly and lost around two seconds, with memories flooding back. He was greeted at the end by his father Marco and mother Veronica, and said his father's presence throughout the season had been important in keeping him grounded after highs and supporting him before difficult sessions. In the champions' news conference he became so emotional while remembering his late grandfather that he could not speak for a moment, before joking that he had cried far too much that day.
Sources: BBC Sport.