Can a 20‑year‑old really rewrite history? Kimi Antonelli, fresh from clinching the title in Mexico, wept as he praised Mercedes.
Antonelli secured third place at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, shattering Sebastian Vettel’s age record by three years and becoming the sport’s youngest champion at 20.
With neither George Russell nor Lewis Hamilton on the podium, Antonelli didn’t need a win to lock the crown, yet he delivered a composed race and celebrated a podium finish by edging Charles Leclerc for third.
“Thank you so much, we did it,” Antonelli choked out between tears as he crossed the line.
Race engineer Peter Bonnington replied, “Beautiful work, Kimi. It’s been a pleasure sharing this journey, but this is only the opening chapter.”
Climbing out of his Mercedes W17, he embraced his parents and sister before being swarmed by mechanics and receiving a hug from team boss Toto Wolff.
“I wouldn’t be here without Mercedes or my family,” he said. “I’m grateful for this moment; it will stay with me forever. I’m still trying to process it.”
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
“I felt a bit more tense this weekend, but I’m overjoyed we got it done, and now we can enjoy the rest of the season,” he added.
Antonelli shared the top step with winner Max Verstappen and his Mercedes predecessor Hamilton, two of the era’s finest. For my money, Antonelli could become the sport’s next legend. He called the season “incredible” and looks forward to more battles ahead.
Four‑time champion Verstappen praised, “It’s amazing what he’s achieved at such an age; the whole team’s celebration is deserved. His family’s here, so it’s an emotional day, and I’m proud of him.” Seven‑time champion Hamilton added, “Youngest world champion ever—phenomenal, and I’m grateful to witness it.” Antonelli is the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953, joining Giuseppe Farina (1950) and Ascari (1952‑53) as the only Italians to win the title.
His dominant season stemmed from Mercedes’ resurgence under new rules and his newfound consistency, tallying nine Grand Prix victories in the W17, including a dramatic comeback win at Monza from 19th on the grid.
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– The Team