Kimi Antonelli 'went full out' after F1 title win — SkimNews
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- Kimi Antonelli became Formula 1's youngest-ever drivers' world champion at 20, sealing the title by finishing third in Sunday's Mexico City Grand Prix with four rounds of the 2026 season still remaining.
- Antonelli told Sky Sport Germany that at the Sunday night party in Mexico he "went full out" — despite normally avoiding alcohol and preferring his mother's pasta ragu — and that it was "not easy to wake up" with his body "wasn't in the best of states".
- Bradley Lord, Mercedes' deputy team principal, had asked whether Antonelli was the "biggest party animal"; Antonelli credited the team, his father and his friends for the celebration, and said the focus is already back on trying to win.
- Sebastian Vettel sent a video message Antonelli called "really nice, very emotional, very deep," in which the retired four-time champion said Antonelli's life will change a lot but that he must stay himself and grounded because there are still races to win.
- Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who shared the Mexico podium with Antonelli, sent congratulations, and he also received further messages from both plus reigning world champion Lando Norris and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
- Valentino Rossi and Jannik Sinner also congratulated the Italian, with Antonelli saying support came from across sport and that he was "so lucky" to have so much of it.
- Antonelli said he wants more wins and a high finish to 2026, calling 2027 "a new beginning" to build on and return stronger, with Sky Sports F1's São Paulo GP practice sessions starting Friday 6 November at 3.30pm and 7pm.
Why it matters: With four rounds of the 2026 season left after his Mexico City win, Antonelli says he wants more wins and a high finish to the year, while Vettel — the four-time champion — urges him to stay grounded as his life changes. Mercedes can still win the Constructors' Championship, with São Paulo the first of the remaining four rounds.
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