Antonelli Clinches F1 Title at Mexico City Grand Prix

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, 20, clinched the 2026 Formula One drivers’ championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, becoming the sport’s youngest-ever champion and Italy’s first champion since 1953. His third-place finish behind race winner Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton gave him an unassailable lead with four races remaining. Antonelli broke Sebastian Vettel’s age record by more than three years, completing a dramatic rise in his second season after a difficult rookie year. The chaotic race included a red-flag stoppage, safety cars and penalties; Hamilton started from pole for the first time as a Ferrari driver. Before the weekend, Antonelli said illness, fatigue and title pressure had made him unusually tense, though he qualified near the front and secured a podium. Reigning champion Lando Norris said he was happy to pass the number one to Antonelli.