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How Kimi Antonelli reached the promised land

Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in the sport's history when he clinched the title at the Mexico City GP. How did he do it?

By Jack Oliver Smith · Motorsport Week

Published: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 6:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Jack Oliver Smith analyzes how Kimi Antonelli rebounded from a difficult debut to win the 2026 Formula 1 championship.
Antonelli became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history by clinching the title in Mexico City.
He became the first Italian Formula 1 world champion since Alberto Ascari won in 1953.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history after clinching the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Writer Jack Oliver Smith reflects on Antonelli's rapid transformation from facing intense criticism in his rookie 2025 campaign to claiming the championship in 2026, becoming the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Smith highlights key moments from Antonelli's winning campaign in the Mercedes W17, including victories in Shanghai, Suzuka, Miami, and Monaco. Despite teammate George Russell winning the season opener in Melbourne, Smith argues that Antonelli's recovery drive at Monza and mastery of the new regulation cars proved decisive.

Read the full article on Motorsport Week