Antonelli, 20, Makes Formula One History as Youngest Champion

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen lifted Kimi Antonelli onto their shoulders in Mexico City. They celebrated the new champion while sharing 11 world titles between them. The Mercedes driver was 20 years and 68 days old, making him Formula One’s youngest champion. His third-place finish on Sunday, November 1, settled the title with four races still to run. ^5,7

That third place came after Antonelli started fourth and kept clear of trouble in a race interrupted by a red flag. A crash involving Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas stopped the race, but Antonelli returned to the track and held his position near the front. He needed only to finish ninth or better to clinch the championship, whatever his rivals did. Verstappen won, with Hamilton second. ^2,12

The title makes Antonelli the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. It also puts him more than three years ahead of Sebastian Vettel’s previous record as the youngest champion. Antonelli has won nine races this season, while Mercedes backed him through a rapid rise from its junior programme to the Formula One title. The result also ends the contest for the drivers’ crown, though Verstappen and Hamilton remain close in their fight for second. ^3,7,11

That fight for second continues with four rounds left, starting in Brazil before the series heads to Las Vegas. Antonelli has said he wants to finish the season strongly, rather than see the title as the end. The next race will give the new champion a chance to race without the pressure of securing the crown, while his rivals continue chasing points. ^7,18