20-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has delivered his first words as the new F1 World Champion following the 2026 Mexico City GP. In the process, he has become the youngest one in the history of the sport.
The Italian has had a remarkable campaign. Following a P2 finish at the Australian GP behind teammate George Russell, he quickly asserted his authority on the season by winning the next five races. Shanghai saw him claim his maiden pole position and race victory. A further four P1s followed. 16 podiums overall has also shown a superb level of consistency.
His most outstanding win was at Monza. Starting at the back in front of his home crowd, he went from P19 to P1, beating George Russell fair and square to take one of the truly special F1 victories seen in any decade.
On Sunday afternoon in Mexico, Kimi Antonelli became the 2026 F1 World Drivers’ Champion by finishing the Mexico City GP in 3rd place.
Speaking immediately after the race, the driver of car #12 was understandably emotional and happy.
“Yeah, we did it. We did it.
“And, you know, without them I wouldn’t be here, without Mercedes, without my family. So I’m very grateful for this moment and it’s one that will live forever.
“I’m just speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened.”
2026 F1 World Drivers’ Champion Kimi Antonelli on sharing the podium with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen
To mark his first F1 World Championship, Kimi Antonelli got to share the podium with the sport’s more successful ever driver Lewis Hamilton, and race winner Max Verstappen. Between the three of them, they now have 12 titles.
“Of course, of course [it’s special].
“And, you know, it’s been an incredible season and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible. And, yeah, looking forward to some more battles in the future.”
