While it was Max Verstappen who won the Mexican Grand Prix, a third-place finish was all 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli needed to clinch his first Formula One World Championship.
“Thank you so much, we did it,” Antonelli blurted out in between his copious tears as he crossed the line.
“I wouldn’t be here without Mercedes, without my family,” the Italian added later. “I’m very grateful for this moment, and it’s one that will live forever, and I’m just speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened. This weekend I did feel a bit more tense, but I’m just so happy and happy that we got it done, and then we can now we can enjoy the rest of the season.”
In 2010, Sebastian Vettel took the title of youngest F1 champion at 23 years and 134 days old. At 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli obliterated that record.
In 19 Grand Prix held so far, the 20-year-old has been atop of the podium for nine of them. This, combined with 16 total podiums, allowed Antonelli to clinch the championship four races early.
Other Champions Comment
The 2027 grid will now contain five active world champions. Three of them, Max Verstappen (2021-2024), Lewis Hamilton (2008, 2014-2015, 2017-2020), and Lando Norris (2025), commented following his victory. All showed express both happiness for him admiration for his accomplishment at such a young age.
“It’s incredible, of course, what a season he had, and to do that also at such an age,” Verstappen said. “I think it’s just really, really impressive. It’s amazing to see the whole team celebrating with him. His family is here as well, so I’m sure this is a very emotional day for him, and I’m very proud of him.”
Hamilton simply expressed gratitude for being in the race the record was shattered in. Meanwhile, Norris encouraged the 20-year-old to truly celebrate his accomplishment.
“I’m very, very happy for him,” Norris said. “He’s a lovely, lovely guy. He deserves it an incredible amount, and I hope even though he’s young, he goes out and celebrates it properly. I think it’s very impressive what he’s been able to do at his age, his second year in Formula 1. He’s going to be the youngest world champion ever. It’s pretty, pretty incredible,” he said.
With four more races scheduled, the Formula One season is not over. While the championship has been wrapped up, there are still four Grand Prix victories on the table. Whether Antonelli will add to his championship statistics or another driver will secure a trophy to lighten the disappointment of losing the championship, there is still much for the drivers to race for and the fans to watch.
