Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has made Formula 1 history by securing the world championship at the age of 20, becoming the youngest driver ever to win the title.
Antonelli finished third at the Mexico Grand Prix in Mexico City, behind race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, a result that was enough to mathematically secure the championship. The Italian, aged 20 years, two months and seven days, broke Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest world champion in the sport’s history.
The title marks a remarkable achievement for a driver who entered the season with relatively little Formula 1 experience. Antonelli emerged as a serious contender after his first Grand Prix victory in Shanghai in March, followed by five consecutive wins in China, Japan, Miami, Canada and Monaco.
His performances helped him pull clear of team-mate George Russell and Ferrari’s drivers, while his composure in a demanding season proved crucial. In Mexico, Antonelli stayed out of trouble during a race disrupted by incidents, including a crash involving Valtteri Bottas, and secured the podium position he needed.
Meloni and Vasco Rossi congratulate the new champion
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Antonelli in a social media post, describing his achievement as a source of national pride. She said the 20-year-old had brought an Italian driver back to the top of world motorsport, crediting his talent, commitment and determination.
Singer Vasco Rossi also joined the celebrations, calling Antonelli “brilliant, extraordinary and incredible”. He highlighted the driver’s roots in Casalecchio di Reno, near Bologna, and said he had made Italians immensely proud.
A dream shaped by family and racing heroes
Antonelli credited Mercedes and his family for helping him reach the top. Fighting back tears after the race, he said he was lost for words and that the moment would stay with him forever.
Born in 2006, Antonelli grew up watching Formula 1 legends such as Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. He chose car number 12 in tribute to Senna, whom he came to know through documentaries.
His parents, Marco and Veronica, have played a central role in his career, supporting his development from karting to the sport’s highest level. Despite his rapid rise, Antonelli has retained many of his personal routines and superstitions, including wearing familiar clothes on race days.
His first victory in Shanghai marked a turning point in his public profile. When he returned to Bologna airport after the race, he was greeted by cameras and fans — a sharp contrast to the relatively ordinary journeys he had made before his breakthrough.
Now, with a world title at just 20, Antonelli has ended Italy’s 73-year wait for another Formula 1 champion and established himself as one of the sport’s leading figures.
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