20: Kimi Antonelli sets new F1 record
The Mercedes driver became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history after securing the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
By Ethan Cook ·
Kimi Antonelli is the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver secured the title on Sunday, ending his season with four races still to complete. He becomes the first Italian to claim the crown since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Antonelli locked in his lead over teammate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton following the Mexico City Grand Prix. He finished third in the race, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed victory for the sixth time in that location. Sebastian Vettel holds the previous record for youngest champion, having won at age 23 in 2010.
The race saw a disruption on lap 46 when Valtteri Bottas crashed into the wall at the first corner. The incident, caused by issues with his right-side suspension, triggered a red flag. Cadillac reported that Bottas received further medical assessments as a precaution. He exited the car unaided and waved to the crowd before leaving the track.
Upon restart, Verstappen led the field ahead of Leclerc, Hamilton, Antonelli, Norris, and Russell. The Red Bull driver maintained his position to take the win. Antonelli celebrated his achievement over team radio, saying, “Thank you so much, we did it, we did it, thank you so much .. thank you.”
The Formula 1 schedule moves to Brazil next, followed by Las Vegas. The final two Grands Prix, planned for Qatar and Abu Dhabi, may be affected by regional instability.
