Kimi Antonelli has scripted history in Formula 1 after becoming the youngest-ever world champion at the age of 20. The Mercedes driver secured the 2026 Drivers' Championship with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, November 1, despite Max Verstappen winning the race ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
In an emotional moment after crossing the finish line, Antonelli placed his hands on the steering wheel and struggled to hold back his emotions before saying, "We did it, we did it."
The Italian secured the championship with four races remaining, taking an unassailable lead over his closest competitors, including teammate George Russell and Ferrari's Hamilton.
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At 20 years and 68 days, Antonelli surpassed Sebastian Vettel's record of becoming the youngest Formula 1 world champion. Vettel was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his maiden title in 2010.
The success story ended Italy's 73-year wait for an F1 world champion, with Alberto Ascari being the last Italian to win the title in 1953.
Who Is Kimi Antonelli? Age, Family And Early Life
Born on August 25, 2006, in Bologna, Italy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the son of former sportscar racer Marco Antonelli. He developed a keen interest in motorsport at a young age and started karting when he was just seven.
Interestingly, his journey into the Formula 1 world included an unusual incident. During the 2014 German Grand Prix weekend, the seven-year-old reportedly hid inside a stack of tyres to gain access to the paddock because he did not have the required credentials.
His middle name, Kimi, was suggested by a family friend and was not directly inspired by former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen.
Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Programme in 2019, aged 12, after impressing in karting competitions.
Kimi Antonelli's Racing Career: From Karting To Formula 1
Antonelli enjoyed considerable success in junior motorsport before making his Formula 1 debut.
He won the Italian and ADAC Formula 4 championships in 2022 before claiming the Formula Regional Middle East and European titles in 2023.
In 2024, he moved directly to Formula 2 with PREMA Racing, skipping Formula 3. He finished sixth in the championship, recording victories at Silverstone and the Hungaroring.
Mercedes subsequently handed him the opportunity to replace Lewis Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari, for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Antonelli made his Grand Prix debut in Australia at 18 and finished his rookie campaign with three podiums.
Kimi Antonelli's Formula 1 Records And Achievements
Antonelli's championship-winning campaign has rewritten several Formula 1 records.
Youngest-ever F1 world champion: Won the 2026 title aged 20, surpassing Sebastian Vettel.
Youngest polesitter: Achieved the record at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix.
Youngest championship leader: Became the youngest driver to lead the F1 standings after winning in Japan.
Youngest Grand Slam winner: Achieved the feat in Monaco by securing pole position, victory, fastest lap and leading every lap.
First Italian champion since 1953:Ended the country's 73-year wait after Alberto Ascari.
What Did Kimi Antonelli Say After Winning The F1 Championship?
Speaking after securing the title, Antonelli admitted that he was still processing the intensity of his achievement.
"I'm still trying to realize and understand what just happened. When you work so hard and then you finally achieve it, it is truly special," he said.