Kimi Antonelli clinched the Formula 1 world championship Sunday, becoming at just 20 the youngest driver in the sport’s history to win the title.
\n\nThe Italian prodigy secured the title at the Mexican Grand Prix with four races left on the 2026 calendar, capping a sensational season in just his second year in F1.
\n\nHe finished third and scored 15 points, enough to vanquish his remaining rivals from mathematical contention for the most coveted trophy in motor racing.
\n\n“We did it! Thank you so much,” an emotional Antonelli said on the team radio after he took the checkered flag.
\n\n“I’m very grateful for this moment,” he said after he jumped out of the car. “It’s one that will live forever. I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened. … Looking forward to some more battles in the future.”
\n\nAntonelli broke the record set by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 when he won the championship in a title-deciding thriller in 2010. Antonelli also became Italy’s first F1 world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953, vaulting him to superstardom at home.
\n\nAntonelli has won nine of 19 races so far this season, consistently outperforming his veteran Mercedes teammate and chief…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business