Kimi Antonelli crowned F1 world champion

Andrea Kimi Antonelli clinched the 2026 Formula 1 title in Mexico, becoming the youngest champion and the first Italian winner since 1953.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has become Formula 1 world champion. BBC Sport reported that the Mercedes driver sealed the 2026 title at the Mexico City Grand Prix, while Motorsport.com reported he finished third behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to clinch the crown with four rounds still to run; Antonelli leads the standings on 380 points, ahead of Verstappen on 261 and Hamilton on 259.

BBC Sport reported that the 20-year-old Italian is the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. Motorsport.com also reported that he is the first Italian to win the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953, and both Autosport and Motorsport.com reported that he wrapped up his first championship in Mexico after a season that included nine wins.

The result also sharpened the contrast inside Mercedes. BBC Sport reported that George Russell described the way his own campaign unraveled, while Antonelli moved to the title, as tough to deal with. Antonelli took the championship in only his second Formula 1 season with Mercedes.