Italy Ends 73-Year Wait as Antonelli Claims F1 Crown

Kimi Antonelli has ended a long wait for Italian motorsport fans, becoming Formula 1's 2026 Drivers' Champion after a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix. At just 20 years old, he is now the youngest world champion the sport has ever crowned.

The Mercedes driver's title win also marks the first time since 1953 that an Italian has been crowned Formula 1 world champion. That year, Alberto Ascari claimed the title, leaving Italy waiting 73 years for its next champion.

Racing from fourth on the grid, Antonelli knew a top-nine finish in the 71-lap race would guarantee the championship, no matter what his closest rivals did. Hamilton and teammate Russell were his main competitors, but their results did not affect his path to the title.

The race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was far from straightforward. A serious accident involving Valtteri Bottas forced race officials to show the red flag. Later, Arvid Lindblad crashed, prompting the deployment of the safety car.

Verstappen took the race win ahead of Hamilton. However, Antonelli's podium finish was enough to secure the championship. His record-breaking title also surpassed Sebastian Vettel's mark. Vettel was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first title in 2010. Antonelli was 20 years and 68 days old.

With a 119-point advantage at the top of the standings, Antonelli has a lead that is almost impossible to catch. Verstappen is now second, while Russell has slipped to fourth, 130 points adrift of his teammate.

Attention now turns to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which will take place from November 6 to 8. For Antonelli and Italian motorsport, the Mexico City weekend will be remembered as a historic moment.