Five key moments that defined Kimi Antonelli’s F1 season

The young F1 driver, Kimi Antonelli, claimed the title of world champion on Sunday in Mexico City, making history as the youngest-ever champion in the sport. This victory comes after a series of pivotal moments that defined Antonelli's championship charge.

In the beginning, the 20-year-old Mercedes driver faced self-doubt during an inconsistent rookie season in 2025, where he accumulated less than half the points of his teammate, George Russell. However, it was the first race of 2026 that marked a turning point. Despite crashing in practice in Australia and finishing second in the race behind Russell, Antonelli made a breakthrough.

He outpaced Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton at the start of the Chinese Grand Prix, leading the seven-time world champion and Russell's teammate Charles Leclerc to a hard-fought second place finish.

Antonelli's momentum continued as he went on to win the next five races in a row, ultimately surging into the standings lead while Russell faced a series of setbacks. The highlight of this stretch came in Canada, where the Mercedes duo engaged in a thrilling battle through 30 laps, swapping the lead several times before Russell's engine failure and timing system penalties at Monaco further widened the gap between them.

Throughout the season, Antonelli exhibited grit and maturity in the face of adversity. He remained undeterred, even after a troubled run, refusing to give up on fighting for a potential single point at the British Grand Prix. Despite car issues and damage to his car's bodywork at Silverstone, Antonelli persisted, showcasing his determination to hold onto 10th place.

A spectacular home win at Monza marked another milestone in Antonelli's title charge. At 60 years old, this marked the first Italian win at home in F1 history, and the first win from that far back on the grid since 1983. His Texas masterclass further solidified his dominance, showcasing his control and racecraft as he took pole position, led ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Leclerc, and managed the race to perfection.

With a seemingly insurmountable lead heading into the Mexican GP, Antonelli clinched the coveted title, overcoming starting problems and accumulating points with minimal fuss. His journey to this historic moment serves as a testament to his resilience, determination, and exceptional talent on the track.