Mexico City:Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli made history by becoming the youngest world champion in Formula 1, securing the 2026 drivers' title with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the 20-year-old Italian clinched his maiden championship in just his second Formula 1 season, with four rounds remaining. Antonelli, who began racing for Mercedes in 2025 after replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, surpassed Sebastian Vettel's record as the youngest F1 world champion. He is also the first Italian to win the drivers' title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

The race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, with Ferrari's Hamilton finishing second ahead of Antonelli. Antonelli's championship lead was substantial, requiring only a ninth-place finish to secure the title. Starting fourth, he maintained his position through a chaotic opening lap and strategic pit stops, ultimately overtaking Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to secure third place.

Antonelli held his position despite a safety car period and maintained control in the final laps to finish third and claim the championship. "We did it! And I wouldn't be here without Mercedes and without my family. I'm speechless, I'm trying to process what's just happened," Antonelli expressed with emotion following the race.

The race concluded with Verstappen narrowly defeating Hamilton, while Antonelli rounded out the podium, followed by Leclerc in fourth and Lando Norris in fifth.