At 20, tearful Kimi Antonelli becomes Formula One’s youngest world champion after Mexico City podium

Antonelli seals the title

Antonelli’s third-place finish secured the championship, making him Formula One’s youngest world champion at 20 years and 68 days. His points advantage grew to 119, enough to put the title beyond reach.

His parents and sister were there to embrace him as he left the car, and Mercedes’ pit crew gathered around him. On the podium, he wore an Italian flag and sprayed champagne.

“I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened,” Antonelli told the crowd. He said he had felt more tense over the weekend, but was happy the team had secured the title.

Verstappen wins disrupted race

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took his second win of the season in a race that was stopped and restarted. He led after the restart and finished ahead of the field, while Antonelli held on for third.

A later safety car followed a collision between Lindblad and Piastri. The field was released to race again with nine laps remaining.

Standings shift after Mexico

Verstappen moved into second place in the overall standings, with Hamilton third. Pre-season favourite George Russell fell to fourth, 130 points behind Antonelli. Hamilton had started from pole position and led away, marking his 105th career start from pole and his first at a full grand prix for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc followed from third on the grid.

Russell, starting on the front row, dropped to fifth after a poor start. He collided with Hadjar, whose Red Bull was punted off, and received a 10-second penalty from the stewards.