Sports · 2026-11-02 · Morning briefing

Kimi Antonelli becomes F1's youngest world champion in Mexico

Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, securing his maiden title for Mercedes at the Mexico City Grand Prix. He was drafted into the team just last year to replace Lewis Hamilton, a move that prompted questions about his experience at the sport's highest level.

Antonelli's season defied expectations. His teammate George Russell, who had comfortably beaten him in 2025, began the year as the favourite for the championship. After finishing on Russell's tail in the season opener, Antonelli claimed his first victory in the second race, kicking off a streak of five consecutive wins that gave him decisive control of the title race.

The new champion shared the podium in Mexico with Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who are first and third on the all-time F1 record-holders list. Both described his achievement simply as "incredible". Lando Norris, the outgoing world champion, was also effusive, stating Antonelli had "blown everyone away" and "made everyone else look silly".

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• Kimi Antonelli makes F1 history as youngest world champion with maiden title
• Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest champion in F1 history at age 20
• F1 Mexico Grand Prix live updates: Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest ever Formula 1 world champion
• 'Get in there, Kimi:' Antonelli crowned youngest F1 champion in Mexico
• Antonelli becomes youngest F1 champion; Verstappen wins in Mexico

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