Kimi Antonelli, the Italian Mercedes driver, won his first world championship by finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix and became the youngest champion in Formula One history at the age of 20. Antonelli, who is in just his second season in Formula 1, crossed the finish line behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the race on Sunday, November 1, sealing the title for the 2026 season. According to the BBC, Verstappen and Hamilton described Antonelli's performance as "unbelievable" after the race and lifted him in their arms during the championship celebration. Lando Norris, last season's champion, also praised the young Mercedes driver and said: "He faced the best drivers in the world, who all have very good cars, but he surprised everyone and left him behind." In his first season, Antonelli was criticized for his lack of experience, but this year, with five consecutive victories at the beginning of the season, he took control of the championship competition and by maintaining the stability of the performances he won the championship earlier than the end of the season.

Kimi Antonelli, the Italian Mercedes driver, won his first world championship by finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix and became the youngest champion in Formula One history at the age of 20. Antonelli, who is in just his second season in Formula 1, crossed the finish line behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the race on Sunday, November 1, sealing the title for the 2026 season. According to the BBC, Verstappen and Hamilton described Antonelli's performance as "unbelievable" after the race and lifted him in their arms during the championship celebration. Lando Norris, last season's champion, also praised the young Mercedes driver and said: "He faced the best drivers in the world, who all have very good cars, but he surprised everyone and left him behind." In his first season, Antonelli was criticized for his lack of experience, but this year, with five consecutive victories at the beginning of the season, he took control of the championship competition and by maintaining the stability of the performances he won the championship earlier than the end of the season.