Italy revels as 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli makes Formula One history

A title decided in Mexico

Max Verstappen won the Mexico City Grand Prix, but Antonelli’s third-place result gave him enough points to claim the season championship. The title made him Formula One’s youngest world champion.

He is also the first Italian to win the championship since Alberto Ascari took the title in 1953. Antonelli drives for Mercedes, despite Ferrari’s close association with Italian Formula One racing.

Hometown celebration underway

In Casalecchio, where Antonelli grew up, more than 500 people gathered at a theater on Sunday to follow the race, the town’s mayor told ANSA. Celebrations were already in progress the following day, though residents did not yet know when he could visit.

Mayor Matteo Ruggeri said the town would arrange a proper welcome when Antonelli’s racing commitments allow. Residents recall the family’s auto garage, as well as seeing Kimi head to school and play cards with his grandfather.

Tributes across Italy

The achievement drew praise beyond Casalecchio, a town near Bologna. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Antonelli as a source of national pride, and tennis star Jannik Sinner joined other sports figures in congratulating him online.

Bologna was preparing its own recognition on Monday. Mayor Matteo Lepore said the city would give Antonelli its Nettuno d’Oro civic honor, praising his talent and determination in ending Italy’s 73-year wait for the championship.

A Mercedes podium

Antonelli shared the Mexico podium with race winner Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s seven-time champion. Hamilton is the driver Antonelli replaced at Mercedes. The result brought the championship to Antonelli despite his third-place finish in the race. His title has put a young Italian driver at the center of celebrations both locally and nationally.