By Fatma Younis
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured the Formula One world championship on Sunday with a third-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix, becoming the sport's youngest title winner at age 20 and the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
China: First pole and victory
After George Russell won the season opener in Melbourne, Antonelli announced his title credentials in China by claiming his maiden pole position and converting it into a debut victory, leading his teammate home by five seconds.
Monaco: Fifth consecutive win
Antonelli extended his winning streak to five races with a historic victory on the streets of Monaco, becoming the youngest winner at the principality's iconic circuit and moving into the championship lead.
Belgium: Capitalizing on rivals' collision
At Spa-Francorchamps, title rivals Russell and Lewis Hamilton collided on the opening lap, eliminating Russell and earning Hamilton a penalty. Antonelli held off Charles Leclerc to win and stretch his lead to 45 points over Hamilton and 50 over Russell.
Italy: Comeback from the back of the grid
Starting from the rear due to a grid penalty, Antonelli produced an extraordinary recovery drive at Monza, utilizing a fresh engine and strategic brilliance to become the first Italian in 60 years to win at the temple of speed.
United States: Dominance in Austin
Antonelli put one hand on the trophy with a commanding victory at the United States Grand Prix, securing pole and winning by 13 seconds over Leclerc while Russell finished eighth, leaving Antonelli needing just two points to clinch the title.
Mexico City: Title secured
Needing only a ninth-place finish, Antonelli started fourth and navigated a chaotic start, a red flag, and a second race start to finish third and claim the championship, ending a 73-year wait for an Italian world champion.
