Kimi Antonelli claimed the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship last Sunday by finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix. The 20-year-old Italian became the youngest champion in series history at 20 years and 68 days old.

Antonelli needed only a ninth-place result or better to wrap up the title with four races remaining. He delivered a podium finish behind race winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull and second-place Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari. His Mercedes teammate George Russell placed sixth.

The victory marked Antonelli's first world title and made him the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. He surpassed Sebastian Vettel's previous record for youngest champion by more than three years.

Antonelli entered the season's second year with Mercedes after a strong rookie campaign. He secured nine race wins during 2026, including a dominant stretch of five consecutive victories early in the year that built an insurmountable points lead.

Verstappen took his third win in four races amid on-track drama involving the Ferrari drivers. Hamilton and Charles Leclerc battled closely for position, adding tension to the event.

Team principal Toto Wolff praised the achievement in internal communications, highlighting Antonelli's rapid development. The driver described the moment over team radio as one of disbelief and gratitude, saying the team had accomplished the goal together.

The title adds to Mercedes' tally of Drivers' Championships. Antonelli stands as the first product of the team's junior program to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Attention now turns to the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend at Interlagos, where Antonelli topped Friday practice sessions while the championship fight among the remaining contenders continues.