Kimi Antonelli Becomes Youngest F1 World Champion as Verstappen Wins Wild Mexico City GP

Sky Sports · 2026-11-01
Kimi Antonelli Becomes Youngest F1 World Champion as Verstappen Wins Wild Mexico City GP

Kimi Antonelli made Formula 1 history at the Mexico City Grand Prix, becoming the youngest world champion in the sport's history. The 18-year-old Mercedes driver sealed the title with a composed drive, capitalizing on a chaotic race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Antonelli's achievement surpasses the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel, marking a new era for the sport. Max Verstappen took the race victory, holding off a late charge from Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling finish. The Red Bull driver executed a perfect strategy, managing his tires through two safety car periods to claim his fifth win of the season. Hamilton, in the Ferrari, pushed hard in the closing laps but settled for second, setting up an intense battle for the remaining races. The result tightens the constructors' championship, with Mercedes now leading Ferrari by 12 points. Antonelli's title, coupled with Verstappen's victory, underscores a generational shift in F1 as young talent reshapes the grid. With three races remaining, all eyes turn to Las Vegas for the next chapter in this dramatic season.