Italian driver Kimi Antonelli has made Formula 1 history by becoming the youngest world champion at the age of 20, after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.
The Mercedes driver broke the record previously held by Sebastian Vettel, who won his first world championship in 2010 at the age of 23.
Antonelli, aged 20 years and 68 days, secured his maiden world title with four races remaining in the 2026 season.
The Italian entered the Mexico City Grand Prix needing only a ninth-place finish to secure the championship, regardless of the results of his closest rivals.
Starting fourth on the grid, Antonelli delivered a composed performance to finish third, behind race winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.
The victory also made Antonelli the first Italian driver to win the Formula 1 world championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953, ending a 73-year wait for Italy.
Antonelli’s remarkable achievement comes in just his second Formula 1 season after replacing seven-time world champion Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025.
The young Italian has dominated much of the 2026 season, securing nine race victories on his way to the championship.
His achievement also marks Mercedes’ first Drivers’ World Championship since Hamilton claimed the title in 2020. (Newswire)
