The Mercedes sensation needed only a top-nine finish at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City to secure the championship, regardless of how his closest rivals performed. He delivered exactly what was required, producing a composed drive under immense pressure to become the youngest driver to claim Formula 1’s most prestigious individual prize.

Aged just 20 years and 68 days, Antonelli broke Sebastian Vettel’s long-standing record, while also becoming the first Italian to win the world championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Kimi Antonelli. Photo: F1

It is a remarkable achievement for a driver who has made an immediate impression since stepping into the Mercedes cockpit. Throughout the season, Antonelli has demonstrated maturity beyond his years, remarkable consistency and the ability to handle the enormous expectations that come with competing at the highest level of motorsport.

While the celebrations belonged to Antonelli, the race victory went to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who produced another masterclass in race management to take the chequered flag.

Starting fifth on the grid, the four-time world champion made an excellent getaway and quickly worked his way into contention. He capitalised on an intense battle between Ferrari teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to move into the lead before keeping his composure through a tense closing phase.

Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, finished second, just 0.799 seconds behind Verstappen, while Antonelli completed the podium, 4.006 seconds off the winner.

The 71-lap race was anything but straightforward, with several incidents keeping the safety crews busy. A heavy crash involving Valtteri Bottas brought out the red flag and resulted in a lengthy interruption, while a late collision between McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad triggered another Safety Car period.

Ferrari will also have plenty to reflect on after what appeared to be an opportunity to secure a race victory slipped through its fingers.

Max Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli, and Lewis Hamilton. Photo: F1

Hamilton started from pole position, but an aggressive opening-lap battle with Leclerc allowed Verstappen to take advantage of the situation. Leclerc was subsequently handed a five-second penalty for cutting the track while fighting for the lead.

Despite Hamilton applying pressure in the closing laps, Verstappen held his nerve to secure his third victory of the season. However, the biggest story of the afternoon was undoubtedly Antonelli.

As he crossed the finish line, the emotion was evident over the team radio, with the young Italian initially struggling to find the words to express what the achievement meant to him.

His championship triumph marks the beginning of what could be a special career in Formula 1. At just 20, Antonelli has already reached the summit of motorsport. The challenge now will be to stay there.

Speaking after his historic achievement, Antonelli admitted that it was difficult to put the moment into words, reflecting on the years of hard work, sacrifice and determination that had gone into making his childhood dream a reality.

“I’m still trying to take it all in and understand what has just happened. When you work so hard and have been dreaming of achieving something like this since you were a kid, finally reaching that goal is truly special.

“All the emotions come pouring out, and being able to share this moment with my family, my team, and some of my friends makes it even more special. It’s a moment I’ll remember forever.”

Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes principal Toto Wolff. Photo: F1

“I’m incredibly happy and grateful for everything that has happened, for the opportunities I’ve been given and for all the support I’ve received, not only this year but ever since I joined the team.

“I’m just going to enjoy this moment as much as possible and make the most of the rest of the season. We still have a few races to go and want to finish strongly. This is also a new starting point for me, something to build on as I continue to improve.”

The Formula 1 circus now heads to Brazil for the São Paulo Grand Prix, where Antonelli will get his first opportunity to race as a newly crowned world champion.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg