How Antonelli 'blew everyone away' to make F1 history — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Kimi Antonelli won the Formula 1 world championship in his second season, becoming the youngest title winner in the sport's history at age 20.
- Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the first and third winningest drivers in F1 history, both called Antonelli's achievement 'incredible' and praised his maturity and consistency.
- Antonelli overcame a shaky debut season in 2025, where he was outperformed by teammate George Russell, to win five consecutive races early in the season and maintain dominance despite Mercedes losing its performance edge.
- Lando Norris, the outgoing world champion, said Antonelli 'blew everyone away' and made other top drivers 'look silly' with his ability to exploit the car and handle high-pressure competition.
- Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 world champion, stated he sees no limit to Antonelli's potential, predicting continued improvement despite future challenges.
- Antonelli became emotional during the final lap of the Mexico City Grand Prix, admitting he was crying and struggling to see, and later broke down remembering his late grandfather during the champions' press conference.
Why it matters: Antonelli’s title reshapes F1’s competitive hierarchy—Mercedes’ internal rivalry reversed as the once-doubted rookie surpassed his established teammate, altering team dynamics and signaling a generational shift now validated by results, not just promise.
Ask SkimNews
