History in Formula 1: Crowned World Champion at Just 20

Italian racing driver Kimi Antonelli, aged 20, has been crowned the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, after winning the 2026 season championship at the Mexican Grand Prix, four races before the end. He shattered Sebastian Vettel's record and became the first Italian champion since 1953.

Italian racing driver Kimi Antonelli, aged 20, has been crowned the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history after winning the 2026 season championship at the Mexican Grand Prix. Antonelli, a Mercedes driver, secured the title four races before the end of the season, in only his second year on the circuit. He finished third in the race, earned 15 points, and closed the mathematical gap against his rivals. In doing so, he shattered Sebastian Vettel's record (23 in 2010) and became the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Antonelli recorded nine wins in 19 races this season, including five consecutive wins at the start. Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner praised his maturity: "He is 20 years old with the mind of an experienced 30-year-old driver."