Antonelli sets Formula 1 record, becomes youngest champion in history
Italy’s Kim Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 champion in history after he finished third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.
At the age of 20 years and 68 days old, he won his first-ever Formula 1 title in style.
He surpassed Sebastian Vettel, who won his first title in 2010 at the age of 23 with Red Bull Racing, to take the record for youngest driver to win the championship.
He became the fourth driver in F1 history to win the title in his second season.
Antonelli entered the race at the needing only to finish ninth to claim a maiden F1 title, regardless of where rivals Hamilton and Mercedes team mate George Russell finished.
The 20-year-old started fourth and eventually finished third despite enduring a mid-race red flag after a heavy accident for Valtteri Bottas and a late Safety Car following a crash for Arvid Lindblad.
Antonelli has earned 380 points in 19 rounds with four events remaining before the end of the season. It mathematically impossible for the other contestants to overtake him.
He has also won 10 races out of 19 to earn 380 points with four rounds before the end of the season.
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The Italian driver was delighted to make history
Antonelli said: “We did it. You know, without them, I wouldn’t be here – without Mercedes, without my family. So I’m very grateful for this moment, and it’s one that will live forever. I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened.
“It’s been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible. And yeah, looking forward to some more battles in the future.
“This weekend I did feel a bit more tense, but I’m just so happy, and happy that we got it done, and now we can enjoy the rest of the season.”
Antonelli has achieved 9 wins, 7 pole positions, 10 fastest laps, and 19 podiums from 43 starts in Formula One this season.
Action resumes at the Sao Paolo Grand Prix on November 6.
Mexico City GP Result: Top 10
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2) Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
3) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
4) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
5) Lando Norris, McLaren
6) George Russell, Mercedes
7) Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
8) Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi
9) Isack Hadjar, Red Bull
10) Ryo Hirakawa, Haas
