KIMI ANTONELLI MAKES FORMULA 1 HISTORY — THE 20-YEAR-OLD IS OFFICIALLY WORLD CHAMPION!

Formula One F1 - United States Grand Prix - Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. - October 25, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates on the podium after winning the United States Grand Prix IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Michael JohnsonFormula 1 has a new world champion, and the sport just witnessed history.Kimi Antonelli has officially been crowned the 2026 Formula 1 World Champion, becoming the youngest driver ever to win the championship after finishing third at the Mexican Grand Prix.At just 20 years old, the Mercedes superstar has accomplished something that seemed almost impossible when he first arrived in Formula 1.Antonelli entered the weekend knowing he was on the verge of securing the title. With a massive points advantage over his closest challengers, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, he only needed a ninth-place finish to guarantee the championship regardless of what his rivals accomplished.And he delivered.Starting fourth, Antonelli kept his composure through a chaotic race that featured a red flag following Valtteri Bottas’ heavy crash and a late safety car. He eventually crossed the line in third place, officially sealing his first career world championship.Max Verstappen took the race victory, with Hamilton finishing second, but the biggest celebration belonged to Antonelli and Mercedes.The achievement is even more impressive when looking at the history he just made. Antonelli has broken Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest Formula 1 world champion, taking the crown at just 20 years and 68 days old.He also becomes Italy’s first F1 world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.This championship is the result of an incredible second season for the young Italian. After facing plenty of pressure and questions during his rookie campaign, Antonelli has responded with a season that has established him as one of the biggest stars in motorsport.He entered the Mexican Grand Prix with nine victories already under his belt, and now he can add the biggest achievement in racing to his résumé.Mercedes also returns to the top of the Drivers’ Championship for the first time since Lewis Hamilton won the title in 2020.The future of Formula 1 suddenly looks very different. Antonelli has arrived, and he has already taken the biggest prize the sport has to offer.At just 20 years old, Kimi Antonelli is a Formula 1 world champion. And if this season is any indication, this could be the beginning of something special.