Italian racing sensation Kimi Antonelli has reportedly made Formula One history by securing the world championship at just 20 years and 68 days old, becoming the youngest driver ever to claim the title.
According to the reported race results, the Mercedes driver sealed the championship with four races remaining after finishing third in Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix, behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Antonelli’s achievement would eclipse the previous age record held by Sebastian Vettel, who won his first world championship in 2010 at 23 years and 133 days.
It would also make Antonelli the first Italian Formula One world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
The young driver reportedly became emotional as he crossed the finish line, completing a remarkable rise through the sport after making his Formula One debut with Mercedes in 2025 at just 18.
Antonelli’s second season has been marked by exceptional consistency. After finishing second to teammate George Russell in the Australian season opener, he reportedly won five consecutive races.
Heading into Mexico, he had accumulated nine victories from 18 races, alongside six additional podium finishes.
One of his standout performances came at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where he reportedly recovered from 19th on the starting grid to claim victory, overtaking teammate Russell, who had started from pole position.
Antonelli began karting at seven and was recruited into the Mercedes junior driver programme at 11 under Gwen Lagrue.
His father, Marco Antonelli, a former racing driver and team principal, initially had reservations about his son pursuing a motorsport career.
“He didn’t want me to become a driver because motorsports can be very cruel at times, especially financially,” Antonelli said ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
Reflecting on his father’s influence, he added: “He taught me everything he knew, first about racing, and now about life.”
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton also praised the young Italian, saying: “He’s incredibly impressive and deserves to be world champion.”