Overview
- Antonelli secured the 2026 drivers’ championship by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, sealing the title with four races still to run.
- He ends the season so far with nine race wins and double‑digit podiums, a run of speed and consistency that created an unassailable points lead.
- At 20 years and 68 days old he becomes the youngest F1 world champion and Italy’s first champion since 1953, breaking Sebastian Vettel’s previous youngest‑winner record.
- Mercedes’ decision to promote Antonelli into a race seat to replace Lewis Hamilton is now widely seen as vindicated after his rapid rise from the team’s junior programme.
- The title win produced an emotional podium moment with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton and shifts attention to the remaining races and the constructors’ battle that will decide the teams’ title.