Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver secured the title at 20 years and 68 days old, with four rounds still remaining in the season, and becomes the first Italian champion since 1953.
Antonelli entered the race needing only a ninth-place finish to seal the championship. Driving with veteran composure in his sophomore year, he brought his Mercedes through the Foro Sol Stadium to take third place behind race winner Max Verstappen and second-place finisher Lewis Hamilton.
The podium produced a notable scene, with Verstappen and Hamilton hoisting the young Italian onto their shoulders in celebration. Antonelli marked the milestone alongside his parents, his sister Maggie and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
Antonelli originally joined Mercedes as a 12-year-old protege and reached the title after what the source describes as a turbulent rookie year. Reflecting on the achievement, he said: "I would not be here without Mercedes or my family. I am speechless, trying to process what just happened. A day I will remember forever."
Sources: Hypebeast.