F1 Mexico GP: Kimi Antonelli clinches world title as Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton for victory

MEXICO CITY — At just 20 years old, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli made history on Sunday by becoming the youngest champion in Formula 1. With four races remaining in the season, Antonelli, the first Italian to win the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953, had already established a commanding lead in the standings. After finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix, Antonelli's victory was secured as Red Bull's Max Verstappen claimed a dominant win, while Sebastian Vettel previously held the record for the youngest champion at age 23 in 2010.

Antonelli expressed her gratitude on the team radio after securing the title, saying, "Thank you so much... thank you." The race was halted on lap 46 due to a red flag following a crash by Valtteri Bottas at the first corner, after his car suffered issues with the right-side suspension. Bottas emerged from the car unassisted and waved to the crowd before departing the track.

With the race resumed, Verstappen started first, followed by Carlos Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli, Oscar Norris, and George Russell. Verstappen triumphantly defended his win, as he had done six times in Mexico City. The upcoming F1 season will see races in Brazil and Las Vegas, but the final two scheduled Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain uncertain due to geopolitical instability in the region.