Norris hails Antonelli as F1's youngest-ever champion after Mexico title clinch

Kimi Antonelli clinched the Formula 1 world championship at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, finishing third behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to seal the title with four races to spare. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver becomes the youngest world champion in the sport’s history at just 20 years and 68 days old.

Outgoing champion Lando Norris, who finished fifth in Mexico, was effusive in his praise for the Italian after the race. “He deserves it. It’s been insane this year. That’s an understatement,” the McLaren driver said. “Congrats to him, especially at his age. To win it is pretty incredibly impressive.”

Norris, who claimed his own first title with McLaren last year, added that he hoped Antonelli would mark the occasion in style. “I’m very, very happy for him. 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. He’s had an outstanding season.”

The praise from Norris has been building for several weeks. Speaking at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, he highlighted how quickly Antonelli had mastered the Mercedes machinery — even outpacing experienced team-mate George Russell. “Kimi has been two levels above George the whole season,” Norris said. “I rate George and I think he’s a very good driver. But he’s done a pretty incredible job.”

Antonelli has won nine races this season and leads the drivers’ standings on 380 points, 119 ahead of Verstappen in second. Russell, who began the year as the title favourite, sits fourth in the championship.

Norris himself has endured a difficult title defence, managing only two race victories — at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. He had signalled his willingness to cede the crown well before Mexico. “I have nothing but respect for Kimi. He’s a very nice guy. We get along very well and I’m more than happy to pass the No 1 over to him,” he said ahead of the weekend.