Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest F1 champion at 20 in Mexico City

Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history on Sunday at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver claimed the title while finishing third in the race, a result that put him ahead of his rivals with four races still left on the calendar. He placed his hands on the steering wheel as he crossed the finish line and told his team, “We did it, we did it.”

Antonelli finished behind race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen claimed his sixth victory at the Mexican Grand Prix. The Italian driver now holds an unassailable lead in the standings over his teammate George Russell and Hamilton. He is the first Italian to win the championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953, breaking the previous record set by Sebastian Vettel in 2010 at age 23.

The race saw a red flag stoppage on lap 46 after Valtteri Bottas crashed into the wall at the first corner. Cadillac reported that Bottas sustained issues with his right-side suspension and underwent precautionary medical assessments. He exited the car unaided and waved to fans before leaving the track. The field restarted with Verstappen leading, followed by Charles Leclerc, Hamilton, Antonelli, Lando Norris, and Russell.

Lewis Hamilton, who started from pole position, lost the lead on the fourth lap while battling with teammate Charles Leclerc. The incident resulted in a five-second penalty for Leclerc, a decision that frustrated Hamilton. The seven-time world champion told the stewards that Leclerc should have returned the position. Hamilton radioed his team about “big, big problems” just before the red flag and appeared visibly upset when he pulled into the garage.

Aston Martin had a difficult weekend after qualifying struggles. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso retired early from the race due to an engine issue. His teammate Lance Stroll also exited the race shortly after on the seventh lap. Alonso noted that the car had been fine in practice but failed in qualifying and again during the race.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said Italy had waited 73 years for this moment. Antonelli called it an incredible season and thanked Mercedes and his family. The series will next head to Brazil and then Las Vegas. It remains uncertain whether the final two Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will take place due to regional instability.