Kimi Antonelli Wins F1 Title at 20 — SkimNews
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- Kimi Antonelli clinched his first Formula 1 title at the Mexico City Grand Prix at age 20, becoming the sport's youngest world champion after just two seasons.
- Lewis Hamilton called Antonelli's achievement 'incredible' after Antonelli shared the Mexico City podium with Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the first- and third-ranked drivers in F1's all-time record books.
- Kimi Antonelli finished his season opener on George Russell's tail, won the next race and then four more in succession, taking control of the championship and never again looking like losing it.
- George Russell was favored for the championship once Mercedes started the season with the best car, but he ended behind both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the standings while teammate Antonelli took control of the title.
- Mercedes drafted Antonelli to replace Hamilton despite doubts about his inexperience; after a shaky first season, he said the setbacks and the spotlight helped him mature and handle pressure.
- Lando Norris, the outgoing champion, said Antonelli had 'blown everyone away,' made everyone else 'look silly' and deserved credit for beating strong rivals in very good cars.
- Kimi Antonelli was nervous in Mexico qualifying, then cried on the final lap and said he lost about two seconds because he could not see clearly; his parents, Marco and Veronica, greeted him afterward.
Why it matters: Mercedes replaced Hamilton with a 20-year-old whom some considered too inexperienced, and the second-season driver won five consecutive races before clinching the title. Russell, the early favorite when Mercedes had the best car, fell behind both Hamilton and Verstappen in the standings, while Antonelli’s consistency removed nearly all championship suspense.
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