Kimi Antonelli has won his first Formula 1 world championship, becoming the youngest champion in the sport's history. He secured the title at the end of just his second season in Formula 1.
Antonelli shared the podium at the Mexican Grand Prix with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Verstappen said that being so solid at Antonelli's age, not making big mistakes and beating an experienced team-mate was simply incredible. Both Hamilton and Verstappen described Antonelli's achievement as "incredible".
Antonelli stated that he would frame the photo from the podium and put it in his house. He was brought to Mercedes last year as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. George Russell was convincingly better than Antonelli in 2025, but Antonelli finished his first race just behind Russell, and achieved his first win in the second race. This was followed by five consecutive victories with which he took control of the championship.
Mercedes' advantage at the start of the season was later neutralised by rivals. Russell has now fallen behind Verstappen and Hamilton in the points standings. Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, stated that he sees nothing other than Antonelli getting better and better.
Lando Norris, the current world champion, said the title could not have gone to a better person. Norris added that Antonelli had delighted everyone and that because of him the rest looked ridiculous.
Antonelli admitted that some had said he did not belong in Formula 1 or was not ready for it. He also said that his direct entry into Mercedes last year allowed him to grow much faster than if he had gone to a smaller team. After qualifying, he admitted he had been "tight", and in Austin, he said, he had been much more aggressive and present in the moment. In Mexico, he noted, he was a bit more tense in qualifying.
