Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, securing the title in Mexico at 20 years and 68 days. His achievement also made him the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953, ending a 73-year wait for the country.
The success represents a major vindication for Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who recruited Antonelli into the manufacturer’s driver development programme in 2018. Wolff accelerated the Bolognese driver’s progression through the single-seater categories before naming him as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.
Antonelli’s rise has been particularly rapid. He was still competing in karting in 2021, but during his second Formula 1 season he established himself as a leading force and as a potential rival to Max Verstappen. The Dutchman was among the first to congratulate him after the title was confirmed at the Hermanos Rodríguez circuit.
“It’s incredible what he has achieved, especially at his age. In some way, I feel very proud of him,” Verstappen said. Lando Norris, who won the championship in 2025, also praised Antonelli’s season. He highlighted the driver’s advantage of more than 100 points over Mercedes teammate George Russell with four races still remaining.
Norris said the suggestion that Antonelli had lacked competition only underlined the quality of his campaign, arguing that he had beaten a highly talented teammate throughout the season. Antonelli is expected to keep the number 12 rather than adopt the champion’s number 1, maintaining the number associated with his idol, Ayrton Senna.
Sebastian Vettel also congratulated the new champion in a video published on Formula 1’s platforms. The German, who had held the previous age record, praised Antonelli’s ability to listen, learn quickly and remain fearless, while describing his driving as clean, controlled and capable of reaching the limit when necessary. Vettel urged him not to change as his achievements alter the way others see him.
Antonelli’s immediate support network includes his parents, Marco and Verónica, his younger sister Maggie and the Wolff family. His relationship with Toto Wolff extends beyond the professional sphere, with trust running in both directions.
Wolff’s faith in Antonelli was reinforced after an accident at Monza, where the young driver crashed into the barriers while approaching the Parabolica. While some saw recklessness, Wolff saw determination. Two years after that incident at the Italian circuit, Antonelli produced the biggest comeback in Formula 1 history there, further confirming Mercedes’ belief in his potential.
Sources: El País Deportes.