POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsWPLG Local 10November 2, 2026Miami-Dade County

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secures Formula 1 world championship at age 20 in Mexico City

Photo: WPLG Local 10

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli finished third at the Mexico City Grand Prix to become the youngest champion in Formula 1 history at age 20, securing an unassailable standings lead with four races remaining. Max Verstappen won the race, which featured a red-flag stoppage on lap 46 following a crash by Valtteri Bottas.

Auto RacingSportsFormula 1Racing Championships
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10

Why It Matters

The result marks the first Formula 1 world championship for an Italian driver since 1953, breaking Sebastian Vettel's prior record set at age 23 in 2010.

Key Facts

  • Kimi Antonelli finished third in the Mexico City Grand Prix to secure the Formula 1 world championship at age 20.
  • Antonelli became the youngest champion in F1 history and the first Italian to win the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
  • Sebastian Vettel previously held the record as the youngest champion, having won at age 23 in 2010.
  • Max Verstappen won the Mexico City Grand Prix for the sixth time.
  • The race was stopped on lap 46 with a red flag after Valtteri Bottas crashed following right-side suspension issues.
  • Charles Leclerc received a five-second penalty for a maneuver while battling Lewis Hamilton for the lead.
  • Both Aston Martin drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, retired early from the race due to engine and reliability issues.
  • Four races remain in the Formula 1 season, though the status of the final two Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi is uncertain due to regional instability.

Who's Mentioned

PersonGeorge Russell“Mercedes teammate of Kimi Antonelli.”locationAbu Dhabi“Scheduled Grand Prix location subject to regional instability.”locationLas Vegas“Subsequent Formula 1 race destination.”PersonLewis Hamilton“Ferrari driver who secured pole position and finished in the race.”locationQatar“Scheduled Grand Prix location subject to regional instability.”PersonCharles Leclerc“Ferrari driver who received a five-second penalty during the race.”PersonFernando Alonso“Aston Martin driver who retired early due to an engine issue.”PersonStefano Domenicali“Formula 1 CEO.”PersonValtteri Bottas“Driver who crashed into the wall on lap 46, causing a red flag.”PersonSebastian Vettel“Previous youngest Formula 1 champion at age 23 in 2010.”PersonMax Verstappen“Red Bull driver who won the Mexico City Grand Prix.”locationBrazil“Next Formula 1 race destination after Mexico.”locationMexico City“Host location of the Grand Prix.”PersonKimi Antonelli“Mercedes driver who became the youngest Formula 1 champion in history.”PersonLando Norris“Driver who restarted the race behind Antonelli.”PersonAlberto Ascari“Previous Italian Formula 1 champion in 1953.”PersonLance Stroll“Aston Martin driver who exited the race on the seventh lap.”