Kimi Antonelli Wants Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen Photo on Wall After Winning F1 Title

Historic Breakthrough: Antonelli Seals Title in Mexico City

The 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix has etched itself into Formula 1 lore as Andrea Kimi Antonelli was crowned the youngest world champion in the history of the sport. Given modern FIA superlicence regulations, the Mercedes sensation’s milestone sets a benchmark that will prove exceedingly difficult for any future driver to eclipse.

Coming off an exceptional drive in Austin, Antonelli arrived at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez knowing that securing the championship was near-certain, yet he refused to let complacency settle in. Following Sunday’s race, the young Italian revealed that managing his emotions and tension proved far more challenging in Mexico than it had been a week prior in the United States.

“At Austin, I was much more aggressive, much more present in the moment, while in qualifying here in Mexico I was a bit more tense in a way. And also, I wasn’t as intense in the way I was driving. It definitely hasn’t been easy on that side. But now finally we clinched it, and now we can enjoy the rest of the season.”

Overcoming Race-Day Nerves and the Decisive Leclerc Move

Antonelli candidly explained that those persistent nerves influenced his racecraft in the early stages at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, causing him to take an unusually reserved line into the opening exchanges before finding his rhythm.

“At the start I was very cautious and I gave a lot of room. I was probably playing it very much on the safe side. But then I saw that I had the pace, especially during that first stint. I knew we would be in the fight because the pace was very good on used tyres. But then, obviously, with the red flag, it kind of all went back to zero.”

The race stoppage served as the turning point for Antonelli. Discarding his earlier reservations, he executed a bold, aggressive pass on Scuderia Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc that ultimately sealed his path to the podium.

“In that moment I was like, “You know what? I’m just going to take more risks.” I had the opportunity to gain a few places and that move on Charles was crucial to get on the podium.

“Then I tried to stay close until the end, and that last stint was very fun. I think the three of us were within two seconds and we were all pushing. It was just difficult to overtake, but it was high intensity and it was fun.”

An Emotional Final Lap Behind Max Verstappen

Antonelli crossed the finish line in third position, four seconds behind race winner Max Verstappen. Speaking to Motorsport.com, the newly crowned champion admitted that the time gap at the checkered flag was caused by a sudden wave of raw emotion in the cockpit.

“On the last lap, I just backed off because I just couldn’t see the track anymore. I was getting emotional, and I said, “I’m just going to back off because otherwise I’ll crash here!” It was just good to bring it home”, the new world champion said.

“I was already crying. I couldn’t see clearly ahead. I could see two Ferraris somehow with the tears, so it was very special. A lot of memories went through my mind in that moment, all the memories since karting all the way to here.

“It was a very special final lap, and definitely, when I crossed the line, I let it all out because I was just achieving one of my biggest dreams. It was very special.”

Iconic Podium Celebrations in the Foro Sol

The celebrations reached their peak within the stadium section of the circuit, the Foro Sol, where Antonelli’s parents—who flew out specifically for Sunday’s race—greeted him. On the podium, he was flanked by two titans of the sport: race winner Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

In a symbolic passing of the torch, Hamilton and Verstappen lifted the Mercedes driver onto their shoulders, creating an image Antonelli insists will stay with him forever.

“I will definitely frame the picture and put it in my house because it’s just an incredible moment”, the Mercedes driver said.

“And as well, to see so much respect from two incredible drivers who have made history in the sport, it’s truly special. It is a moment that will live [in my mind] and will always be remembered. I will definitely frame the picture and put it on the wall of my house, so I can see it very well whenever I go in.”

The post-race atmosphere turned even more sentimental when the trackside DJ played two celebrated Italian tracks: Nessun Dorma and Sarà, perché ti amo. The opera classic in particular struck a chord with Antonelli, reminding him of his roots and his family.

“Yeah, I mean, the first song was very emotional for me because it was a song that my grandfather always used to listen to, so it was very special to hear that. And I think he’s… I think he would be very proud”, Antonelli said.

Wiping away tears as the press corps applauded his candid tribute, Antonelli concluded with a broad smile:

“Oh my God, I’ve cried way too much today, but it’s good! So, yeah, I just got very emotional because of my grandfather, and I was very happy for him as well.”

Why This Matters

Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s title victory marks a significant milestone in modern Grand Prix racing. Because modern FIA superlicence requirements strictly govern entry ages and junior category credentials, breaking the record for the youngest ever Formula 1 world champion is mathematically and procedurally formidable for the foreseeable future. By transitioning from junior karting prodigy directly into a championship-winning campaign with Mercedes, Antonelli cements himself at the center of F1’s new era alongside established champions Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Andrea Kimi Antonelli clinch the 2026 World Championship?

Antonelli secured the drivers’ title at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix by finishing on the podium behind race winner Max Verstappen, successfully defending his points lead with an aggressive overtake on Charles Leclerc following a mid-race red flag.

Why did Antonelli slow down on the final lap in Mexico?

Antonelli revealed that he intentionally backed off during the final lap because he was overcome with emotion and crying inside his helmet, reducing his pace to ensure he did not crash before crossing the finish line.

Who joined Antonelli on the podium at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez?

Race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton joined Antonelli on the podium in the Foro Sol stadium section, where the two multi-time world champions celebrated by hoisting the young Italian onto their shoulders.