Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest world champion in F1 history

Kimi Antonelli has etched his name in the record books as the youngest Formula 1 world champion, clinching the title at the tender age of 20 years and 68 days. The Mercedes driver secured his maiden championship by finishing third at the Mexican Grand Prix, a feat that surpassed the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel, who achieved the milestone at 23 years and 134 days.

Antonelli's meteoric rise in Formula 1 began with consecutive victories at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, propelling him to the top of the standings after just three rounds of the championship. His dominant performance continued, as he secured four more victories in the first half of the season, including wins in Miami, Canada, Monaco, and Belgium.

With a commanding 123-point lead over his Mercedes teammate George Russell heading into the Mexican Grand Prix, Antonelli now stands as the first Italian driver to win a title since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Despite Max Verstappen's victory in the Mexican Grand Prix and Lewis Hamilton's second-place finish, the battle for the second spot in the drivers' standings remains fiercely contested.