Overwhelmed Kimi Antonelli left "stunned" after clinching his first F1 world championship in Mexico.
Recently crowned Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli delivered an emotional tribute to Mercedes as he became the youngest ever titleholder in grand prix racing history in Mexico.
Antonelli secured third place at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, achieving his first title with a calculated drive, surpassing Sebastian Vettel's former record by three years to become the youngest driver to achieve this at the age of 20.
With neither George Russell nor Lewis Hamilton clinching victory in the race, Antonelli didn’t need to finish in a specific position to claim the championship. However, he showcased his dominant performance with a steady race, celebrating on the podium at a buzzing Foro Sol after overtaking Charles Leclerc for third.
"Thank you so much, we did it," Antonelli exclaimed amidst tears as he crossed the finish line.
His race engineer Peter Bonnington replied: "Beautiful work, Kimi. It's been a joy to be part of this journey with you, but this is just the beginning."
Upon exiting his Mercedes W17, he embraced his father, mother, and sister before being surrounded by his mechanics and receiving a hug from team principal Toto Wolff.
"I wouldn’t be here without Mercedes, without my family," Antonelli expressed. "I’m incredibly thankful for this moment, one that will last a lifetime, and I’m just at a loss for words. I’m trying to process what has just transpired."
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
"This weekend I did feel a bit more anxious, but I’m just so thrilled that we accomplished it, and now we can enjoy the remainder of the season."
Antonelli shared the podium with race winner Max Verstappen and his Mercedes predecessor Hamilton, who finished second, the two leading drivers of their era. There’s a strong possibility that Antonelli will prove to be the finest of his. "It’s been an extraordinary season, and to stand on this podium with Max and Lewis is truly remarkable," Antonelli acknowledged. "I eagerly anticipate more battles in the future."
Four-time champion Verstappen remarked: "It’s incredible, of course, what a season he’s had, and to achieve this at such a young age is truly impressive. It’s wonderful to see the entire team celebrating with him. His family is here too, so I’m sure this is a very emotional day for him, and I’m very proud of him."
Seven-time world champion Hamilton added: "Youngest world champion ever. It’s quite phenomenal, and I’m so thankful to be in the race to witness it."
Antonelli became the first Italian world champion in 73 years, since Alberto Ascari in 1953. He is only the third Italian to reach this milestone, following Giuseppe Farina (1950) and Ascari (1952, 1953).
His title achievement was built on a resurgence from Mercedes under the new regulations, along with his own newfound consistency and maturity, securing nine grand prix victories in the W17, including a memorable comeback win at his home race in Monza from 19th on the grid.
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