Key Highlights
- Kimi Antonelli has secured the Formula 1 World Championship by finishing third at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, becoming the youngest titleholder in history at 20 years and 68 days old.
- Reigning champion Lando Norris praised Antonelli’s historic campaign, stating that the young Italian was “two levels above” Mercedes team-mate George Russell all season.
- Antonelli sealed the crown with four races to spare, amassing nine grand prix victories and a 119-point lead over second-placed Max Verstappen.
Historic Breakthrough at the Mexican Grand Prix
Kimi Antonelli has officially made Formula 1 history by capturing the drivers’ world championship at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Finishing third behind race winner Max Verstappen and second-placed Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli accumulated enough points to clinch the championship with four rounds remaining in the season. At just 20 years and 68 days old, the Italian sensation has broken the record to become the youngest champion in the sport’s history.
The achievement concludes a dominant sophomore campaign in Formula 1 for Antonelli. Throughout the year, the Mercedes driver has registered nine grand prix victories, building an unassailable tally of 380 points in the drivers’ standings. This gives him a 119-point buffer over Red Bull Racing’s Verstappen, ending any mathematical chance for his rivals to overhaul him before the season concludes.
Lando Norris Applauds Antonelli’s Championship Season
McLaren driver Lando Norris, who entered the year as the defending champion after claiming his maiden title last season, crossed the line in fifth place in Mexico. Following the grand prix, the British driver expressed genuine joy for Antonelli’s unprecedented milestone.
I mean, he deserves it. It’s been insane this year. That’s an understatement,
he said. So, congrats to him, especially at his age. To win it is pretty incredibly impressive.
Norris emphasized that the newly crowned champion should embrace the magnitude of his success, stating:
I’m very, very happy for him. He’s a lovely, lovely guy. He deserves it an incredible amount, and I hope even though he’s young, he goes out and celebrates it properly,
he said. He’s had an outstanding season. So, yeah, just very happy for him.
Outperforming George Russell Inside Mercedes
Norris’s acclaim for Antonelli is not new; he had previously lauded the youngster’s rapid progression during the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin. Norris specifically pointed out Antonelli’s remarkable ability to master the Mercedes car and systematically outperform his seasoned team-mate George Russell, who had entered the season viewed as a prime title contender.
I think it’s very impressive what he’s been able to do at his age, his second year in Formula 1. He’s going to be the youngest world champion ever. It’s pretty, pretty incredible,
he said.
I rate George and I think he’s a very good driver. But Kimi has been two levels above George the whole season. So, you know, he’s done a pretty incredible job.
Norris Reflects on Passing the Torch
While Antonelli enjoyed a record-setting surge to the title, Norris faced a tougher title-defence campaign with McLaren, earning two victories at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. Ahead of the race in Mexico City, Norris had already made peace with surrendering the championship number to the Italian driver.
I have nothing but respect for Kimi. He’s a very nice guy. We get along very well and I’m more than happy to pass the No 1 over to him,
Norris said.
Why This Matters
Antonelli’s triumph marks a major generational shift in Formula 1. By clinching the crown at 20 years and 68 days old, he resets one of motorsport’s most celebrated benchmarks. Furthermore, wrapping up the drivers’ title with four grands prix left on the calendar underscores absolute dominance in only his second year in the category.
The intra-team dynamic at Mercedes will also draw significant focus heading into the next season. With Russell sitting fourth in the standings after entering the championship as the pre-season favourite, Antonelli’s nine victories and rapid ascendancy firmly establish him as the lead figure in the Silver Arrows’ garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kimi Antonelli, and what record did he break?
Antonelli became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history at 20 years and 68 days old after sealing the title at the Mexican Grand Prix.
How many races did Antonelli win during his championship-winning season?
Antonelli took nine grand prix victories on his way to securing the title, amassing 380 championship points to lead Max Verstappen by 119 points with four rounds left to spare.
Where did Lando Norris finish in the Mexico race?
Defending world champion Lando Norris finished fifth at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for McLaren.
