Antonelli becomes F1's youngest world champion at 20, beating Vettel's record by three years

Kimi Antonelli became Formula 1’s youngest world champion at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, clinching the title at 20 years and 68 days after finishing third in the Mexican Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s long-standing record by more than three years.

Antonelli crossed the line behind race winner Max Verstappen and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, but the third-place finish was enough to seal the drivers’ title in what has been a breakthrough season for the Italian teenager.

Verstappen, speaking to 2016 champion Nico Rosberg in his post-race interview, was generous in his praise for the new champion. “It’s incredible what a season he had. And to do that also at such an age, I think it’s just really, really impressive,” the Dutchman said. “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.”

Verstappen’s own afternoon was shaped by a strong opening lap and a five-second penalty handed to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, which helped the Red Bull driver into the lead. “The first start already made the race for me. I just had a very good first lap,” he explained. “I do think we lacked a little bit of pace, but we just hung in there, made the right calls at the right time. And of course the penalty of Charles put us into the lead.”

The victory moved Verstappen up to second in the drivers’ standings with 261 points. Hamilton sits third on 259 points, while Mercedes’ George Russell — who entered the weekend in second place — drops to fourth on 250 points. Leclerc rounds out the top five with 245 points.

For Antonelli, the title caps a remarkable debut campaign at the highest level of motorsport, and cements his place in Formula 1 history before his 21st birthday.