Kimi Antonelli becomes world champion at 20 in stunning Grand Prix win
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Mexico City: Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli has rewritten Formula One history by becoming the youngest-ever world champion at 20, clinching the title with four races remaining in the season, according to reports.
The Mercedes driver secured the historic achievement after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, behind race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. At 20 years and 68 days, Antonelli shattered Sebastian Vettel's record as the youngest Formula One world champion. Vettel secured the title at 23 years and 134 days old in 2010.
Antonelli also ended Italy's 73-year wait for a Formula One drivers' championship. Alberto Ascari was the last Italian to achieve the feat, winning his second title in 1953.
The achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for Antonelli, who struggled to match teammate George Russell during his debut season in 2025 after replacing seven-time world champion Hamilton at Mercedes.
His breakthrough came at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he secured his maiden victory and became the youngest polesitter in Formula One history. Five consecutive victories in China, Japan, Miami, Canada and Monaco subsequently established him as a serious title contender.
Despite setbacks in Barcelona and Austria, Antonelli bounced back with an impressive victory at the Italian Grand Prix after starting 19th on the grid. Another triumph in the United States further strengthened his championship campaign.
Antonelli entered the Mexico race after recovering from illness and needed only a ninth-place finish to secure the championship. His third-place finish at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez proved more than enough.
Meanwhile, Verstappen claimed his third victory of the 2026 season, with Hamilton finishing second. Four rounds remain on the calendar.