Mexico City:Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has made history by becoming the youngest Formula One world champion. The Italian driver clinched the title in only his second season after taking over from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli secured the championship by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, which put the title beyond the reach of his competitors with four rounds still remaining in the season.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Antonelli's victory marks a significant milestone as he surpassed Sebastian Vettel's record by winning the championship at the age of 20 years and two months. The Italian also became the first from his country to claim the drivers' crown since Alberto Ascari in 1953, ending a 73-year wait for an Italian champion.
Antonelli's journey to the top began in his hometown of Bologna, where he was born on August 25, 2006. He started karting at an early age, guided by his father, Marco, who is a sportscar driver and team owner. Mercedes recognized Antonelli's potential early on, recruiting him to their junior program in 2019 when he was just 12 years old. His career quickly progressed as he won the Italian and German Formula 4 championships in 2022, followed by the Formula Regional Middle East and European titles in 2023.
Mercedes made the bold decision to promote Antonelli directly to Formula 2 in 2024, bypassing Formula 3 entirely. After finishing sixth in Formula 2, Antonelli was chosen to replace Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025. Despite no race wins in his first season, he managed to finish seventh overall with three podiums and became the youngest driver to lead a Grand Prix and record a fastest lap.
In the 2026 season, Antonelli's breakthrough came early as he finished second in the Australian Grand Prix and secured his first victory in China. This victory made him the youngest Grand Prix polesitter and the sport's second-youngest race winner. He went on to achieve five consecutive victories, including a dominant performance in Monaco, which included a Grand Slam.
Despite facing mechanical setbacks and a brief reduction in his championship lead, Antonelli's resilience shone through with victories in Belgium, Italy, and Spain. His performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where he won after starting 19th on the grid, was particularly noteworthy. Antonelli's ability to handle title pressure was evident as he maintained podium finishes and eventually sealed the championship in Mexico.
Antonelli expressed gratitude towards Mercedes and his family, acknowledging the pressure he felt leading up to the decisive race. His achievements have been lauded by his peers, including teammate George Russell and former champion Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli's success not only brought Mercedes its first drivers' championship since 2020 but also validated the team's decision to fast-track his career, demonstrating his readiness to compete at the highest level in Formula One.
Source Anadolu Agency – English