Andrea Kimi Antonelli has made Formula 1 history by winning the 2026 drivers’ world championship at the Mexican Grand Prix. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver finished third in Mexico City, earning the points he needed to seal the title with four races still remaining in the season.
Antonelli is Italy’s first Formula 1 drivers’ champion since Alberto Ascari, ending a 73-year wait. He also becomes the youngest world champion in the history of the sport. Max Verstappen won the race for Red Bull, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton finished second. Charles Leclerc was fourth.
The Mercedes driver cried inside his car after crossing the finish line before celebrating with Hamilton, Verstappen, his family and the Mercedes team. “We did it. I wouldn’t be here without Mercedes and my family, and I’m grateful to them,” Antonelli said. “It has been an incredible season, and it is incredible and crazy to share the podium with champions like Hamilton and Verstappen.”
Antonelli had needed only two points to secure the championship. His title bid was helped by a turbulent opening involving the two Ferraris. Leclerc was given a five-second penalty for his move at the start, while Hamilton expressed his frustration over team radio. Mercedes’ George Russell also received a 10-second penalty after contact with Isack Hadjar on the first lap and eventually finished sixth.
The race was also interrupted by a red flag after a tyre failure sent Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas into the barriers. Despite the disruptions, Antonelli maintained control and completed the result required to claim the championship.
The title confirms a remarkable turnaround for the Bologna-born driver. After a difficult first season with Mercedes that prompted criticism and doubts about his readiness for a top team, Antonelli exceeded expectations throughout 2026. He consistently challenged Hamilton and Verstappen and finished ahead of his more experienced teammate Russell in the championship battle.
A key moment in his season came at Monza in September, where Antonelli won after starting from the back of the grid. His progress also included improvements in race starts, an area that had caused difficulties early in the campaign.
Antonelli developed through ACI Team Italia and the Mercedes Academy, which backed him instead of Ferrari. His performances earned repeated praise from Verstappen and seven-time champion Hamilton, while his ability to extract performance from the Mercedes car and avoid major errors helped him establish a clear advantage over Russell.
Automobile Club of Italy president Geronimo La Russa congratulated Antonelli at the Mexico City circuit. He said the achievement marked the end of a long wait for Italian motorsport and thanked the driver’s family, Mercedes and everyone who had supported his development.
Sources: ANSA Sport. ANSA Sport.