Ralf Schumacher reveals F1 paddock’s unprecedented reaction to Kimi Antonelli’s ‘special’ title win

Ralf Schumacher revealed that the Formula 1 paddock had an overwhelmingly positive and unprecedented reaction to Kimi Antonelli securing the 2026 Drivers' Championship. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver clinched the title after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, taking the crown from McLaren's Lando Norris and establishing an unassailable 119-point lead over Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher emphasized that he had never witnessed such unreserved joy across the paddock for a new champion, praising Antonelli's fair racing and character. Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok echoed these sentiments, describing the Italian racer as arguably the most likable world champion in the sport's history.