Key Highlights:
- Kimi Antonelli has spoken out for the first time as Formula 1’s youngest World Champion ahead of the upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.
- The 20-year-old Mercedes driver highlighted a meaningful video message from previous record-holder Sebastian Vettel alongside congratulations from peers including Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris.
- With the drivers’ title secured in Mexico, Antonelli has set his sights on winning at Interlagos as Mercedes aims to lock in the 2026 constructors’ championship.
Fresh off making motorsport history, newly crowned Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Antonelli has reflected on the whirlwind aftermath of his title triumph as the paddock arrives in Brazil for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver clinched the 2026 World Drivers’ Championship in his sophomore campaign following a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix, securing the crown at 20 years old and breaking the long-standing record formerly held by Sebastian Vettel.
Surreal Days and Heartfelt Praise from Sebastian Vettel
Speaking to the media during Thursday’s press session at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Antonelli confessed that the sheer magnitude of his achievement has barely settled in. The Italian driver revealed that an outpouring of congratulations had flooded in from his hometown and colleagues across the grid, with a video message from Vettel standing out as particularly impactful.
“It’s been an amazing two days, but I still haven’t had enough time to realise and digest what has just happened. Definitely, I’m very happy. It still feels surreal,” said Antonelli.
“I’ve received so many nice messages, so much support, and I’ve had a lot of videos from my hometown celebrating. The support has been incredible. It’s really hard to pick one single moment or one single action that impressed me the most because they were all super nice.
Jamie Redknapp Backs Arsenal to Win Premier League Title and Names Surprise Challengers
“But I think the message from Seb was very nice. It was very deep, with a lot of meaning behind it and a lot of advice for the future. So that was very nice.”
Camaraderie Across the Grid and a Memorable Senna Family Tribute
Vettel was not the only notable figure to reach out to the newly minted champion. Antonelli explained that competitors across the paddock reached out to express their congratulations, showing immense sportsmanship across team rivalries.
“But I also got a lot from other drivers, from Max, Lewis, Charles. Everyone was super nice. Lando was super nice to me as well. So I’m very happy and grateful to see so much respect and support,” Antonelli explained.
Between grand prix commitments, Antonelli also took the opportunity to immerse himself in Brazilian motorsport heritage by meeting the family of the legendary Ayrton Senna prior to track action getting underway.
“I’ve also had the chance to recharge and enjoy a couple of days doing some really nice activities, especially spending time with the Senna family. That was truly incredible and something that I will remember forever.
“So yes, it’s been very demanding in some ways, but I’ve had the time and the chance to relax and recharge. It was also very nice to see so much excitement and support around me.”
Eyes on the Constructors’ Title at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Despite reaching the summit of individual motorsport achievement, the competitive pressure remains on Mercedes. The Silver Arrows enter the weekend in a position to secure the teams’ championship in Brazil, and Antonelli remains fully motivated to push for the top step of the podium rather than simply coasting through the final events on the calendar.
“The goal coming here is to win. It’s a track that I love, and the fans are amazing here. So I’m really looking forward to it,” said Antonelli.
“The goal is to have a great weekend, but also to enjoy the rest of the season. Obviously, we’ve still got races to go, races where we want to do well. So I’m looking forward to it. It’s definitely a really cool place to start everything again after clinching the title and to get a win.”
Why This Matters
Antonelli taking the crown marks an unprecedented shift in modern Formula 1 history. By taking the title at age 20, he eclipsed the youngest-ever champion milestone established by Sebastian Vettel when the German won with Red Bull in 2010 at age 23. Antonelli’s rapid progression from karting prodigy to sophomore champion under the Mercedes banner underscores the success of the Brackley squad’s driver development programme. Furthermore, securing the drivers’ championship early frees Antonelli and Mercedes to focus on wrapping up the constructors’ standings at Interlagos, which would seal an absolute championship sweep for the outfit in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kimi Antonelli clinch the Formula 1 World Championship?
Antonelli sealed the 2026 title by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, building an unassailable points lead during his sophomore campaign.
Whose record did Kimi Antonelli break to become the youngest World Champion?
He surpassed four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who had held the record for the youngest champion in Formula 1 history since the 2010 season.
What is Mercedes fighting for at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix?
Although Antonelli has locked up the drivers’ title, Mercedes can mathematically secure the 2026 constructors’ championship during the race weekend in Brazil.
