Kimi Antonelli became Formula One’s youngest world champion on Sunday, securing the title with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
He is the first Italian to win the championship since 1953, ending a 73-year wait.
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver finished behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who hoisted him aloft as celebrations began in the paddock.
Antonelli said that sharing the podium with multiple champions Verstappen and Hamilton was “truly incredible.”
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “This win is just going to mark a beginning, a new point to build on and keep improving and keep trying to win a championship.”
His father Marco Antonelli, who has his own racing team, called the result “the best thank you that Kimi can give to Mercedes for believing in him.”
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff brought Antonelli into the team at age 11, after Ferrari had turned him down. Wolff recalled that Antonelli was his immediate choice to replace Hamilton when the seven-time champion announced his move to Ferrari, despite sponsors leaving the team over the decision.
“It was a difficult year, but the others have got the full reward,” Wolff stated. “I’m so proud of the team for their trust and that we delivered.”
Wolff also praised the young driver’s effect on the team. “In comes this Italian boy who hugs everybody and he changes the environment and now all the Brits are hugging each other,” he pointed out.
Race engineer Peter “Bono” Bonnington, who previously worked with Michael Schumacher and Hamilton, described Antonelli as another generational talent. “A young man has broken the record for the youngest world champion. It is the first of many I reckon,” he said.
Hamilton, who had tipped Antonelli as his Mercedes successor, praised the new champion’s composure: “He has had a great season and he has handled everything so well with so much grace and humility.”
Verstappen remarked that it was “really impressive” to achieve the feat at such an age, adding that Antonelli’s family being present made it an emotional day.
Outgoing champion Lando Norris of McLaren said Antonelli “deserves it.” “He has been insane this year. That’s an understatement.”
Antonelli said that he is looking forward to more battles with Verstappen and Hamilton. The Mercedes team planned a celebration on the flight home.
