At 20 years old, Kimi Antonelli becomes Formula 1’s youngest champion ever with four races left

Title secured in Mexico

Antonelli finished third at the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday and scored 15 points. That result ended the remaining mathematical possibility of a rival taking the championship, with four races left on the calendar.

The Italian secured the title in his second season in Formula 1. After climbing out of his car, he said, “I’m very grateful for this moment,” and described himself as speechless while trying to process what had happened.

A standout season at Mercedes

Antonelli has won nine of the season’s 19 races and consistently outperformed teammate George Russell, who started the year as the betting favorite for the championship. The article says Antonelli has also recorded more pole positions and race wins, as well as greater speed when both drivers had equal opportunities.

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said Antonelli’s maturity, speed and talent had impressed him. Steiner described the 20-year-old as having the mind of a much more experienced driver.

Room to keep improving

Antonelli’s win in Austin, Texas, the previous Sunday had nearly assured his title, and rivals conceded defeat. In remarks to NBC News that day, he said he had not yet reached his full potential. He identified race starts and exceeding track limits—which can bring penalties or warnings—as areas to improve. Former F1 team boss Otmar Szafnauer credited Antonelli’s championship season to “His mental preparedness, raw talent and great attitude.”