Kimi Antonelli is the 2026 Formula 1 world champion. The Mercedes driver sealed the title with a podium finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, becoming the youngest world champion in the history of the sport. Max Verstappen won a dramatic race ahead of Lewis Hamilton, with Antonelli completing the top three.
The Italian needed only to finish ninth or better at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez to clinch the crown, and he did far more than that. Starting fourth on the grid, he kept out of trouble in a chaotic race and climbed onto the podium to finish the job with races to spare.
Kimi Antonelli: Key Facts
- Title: 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion
- Team: Mercedes
- Age: 20
- Clinched at: Mexico City Grand Prix, Sunday 1 November 2026
- Race result: Third, behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
- Record: Youngest world champion in F1 history
- Next race: Brazilian Grand Prix, 6 to 8 November
How Kimi Antonelli Sealed the Title in Mexico
Antonelli arrived in Mexico on the back of a dominant win at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, which left him on the brink. The maths was simple: a top-nine finish would be enough, whatever his rivals did.
Saturday belonged to Hamilton, who took his first pole position for Ferrari. Antonelli lined up fourth, and the opening laps were anything but calm. The race featured safety car periods, penalties and incidents through the field, the kind of afternoon where one mistake can cost a driver dearly. Antonelli stayed composed, picked his moments on the restarts and moved into the podium places.
Up front, Verstappen controlled the race and held off Hamilton to take the win. But the biggest celebration in the paddock was in the Mercedes garage, where the team welcomed a new champion.
A historic season for Mercedes
Antonelli’s title caps a remarkable rise. He was promoted to a Mercedes race seat as a teenager and was widely tipped as a future star, but few expected him to become champion this quickly. His wins and steady points scoring this year built a lead his rivals could not close, and the victory in Austin a week earlier left them needing a miracle.
It is also a big moment for Italy. Antonelli is the first Italian to win the Drivers’ Championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953, ending a wait of 73 years.
Youngest Champion in Formula 1 History
At 20 years old, Antonelli has beaten the record for the youngest world champion. That mark had stood since Sebastian Vettel won his first title with Red Bull in 2010 at the age of 23. For a sport that has been dominated in recent years by experienced names like Verstappen and Hamilton, a champion this young signals a new era.
What the rivals said on track
Verstappen’s victory was a reminder that he remains a force, while Hamilton’s pole and second place gave Ferrari plenty to smile about. Their battle at the front made for a thrilling race, but nothing could stop the Mercedes driver’s coronation.
What Is Next in the 2026 F1 Season
With the title settled, the remaining races become a lap of honour for the new champion and a fight for the other places in the standings. Next up is the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo from 6 to 8 November, followed by the Las Vegas Grand Prix from 20 to 22 November. Kenyan fans can follow every round, and you can check the official calendar on the Formula 1 website.
For background on how the title fight built up, read our Mexico City Grand Prix 2026 title preview and our report on Hamilton’s pole in Mexico.
FAQ
Who won the 2026 F1 world championship?
Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes won the 2026 title, sealing it with a podium at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
How old is Kimi Antonelli?
Antonelli is 20, which makes him the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
Who won the Mexico City Grand Prix 2026?
Max Verstappen won the race, with Lewis Hamilton second and Kimi Antonelli third.
When is the next F1 race?
The Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo takes place from 6 to 8 November 2026.
