At 20 years old, the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history – Mercedes driver ends Italy’s 73-year drought
Kimi Antonelli wrote Formula 1 history. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver secured his first world title in advance of the Grand Prix of Mexico and is thus the youngest champion of all time. A third place in Mexico City was enough for the Italian to take an unassailable lead in the drivers' standings four races before the end of the season.
For Italy, this triumph is a very special moment. For the first time since Alberto Ascari in 1953, the Formula 1 world champion returns from Italy. Correspondingly, the enthusiasm in his homeland is immense. Italian media are already talking about a veritable Kimi fever. The euphoria is even compared to the victory in the 2006 World Cup.
Antonelli's path to the top began in karting. Mercedes recognized his exceptional talent early on and included him in the junior program. In 2025, he moved up to Formula 1, taking over the cockpit of Lewis Hamilton. After a learning-by-doing debut season, he achieved his breakthrough in 2026. With nine Grand Prix wins and 380 points in the championship, he was crowned the new champion.
Antonelli also receives great recognition from the motorcycle world. MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, who had already shared karting experiences with the young Italian, was enthusiastic about his development. Rossi sees in him an exceptional racing driver and emphasized that he has no worries about Antonelli as long as he maintains his natural style.
In Italy, comparisons are already being drawn with Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. Whether Antonelli actually faces a similarly successful career will have to be seen in the future. However, his first world championship title is already a historic milestone.
For Mercedes, success is the confirmation of a bold decision regarding the young drivers. For Italy, with Kimi Antonelli, a new era in international motorsport begins.