KIMI ANTONELLI CLAIMS MAIDEN F1 WORLD TITLE AT MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
MEXICO CITY — Kimi Antonelli secured his maiden Formula 1 world championship on Sunday, finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix to become the sport's 36th world champion. The 20-year-old Italian, in just his second season with Mercedes, claimed the title with a race to spare.
Antonelli's championship victory marks a historic moment as he becomes the youngest world champion in F1's 76-year history, breaking Sebastian Vettel's 16-year record. Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days when he won his first title in 2010, was surpassed by Antonelli, who is 20 years and 68 days old.
The Italian driver had a stellar maiden season, winning nine races — including six before his 20th birthday in August. He also became the first driver in F1 history to win his first five races consecutively, going unbeaten from China to Monaco.
Antonelli made history as Italy's first world champion since Alberto Ascari claimed his second and final title in 1953, ending a 73-year drought for Italian drivers. His victory at Monza in September also made him the first Italian winner of the Italian Grand Prix since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.
Among his other records, Antonelli became the youngest polesitter at China and the youngest driver to lead the world championship at Japan. Former world champions Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton celebrated Antonelli's victory by lifting him onto their shoulders on the podium.
Formula 1 now turns to Brazil for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the final leg of the triple header, live on Sky Sports F1 from November 6-8.
