By Basant El-Faramawy
Kimi Antonelli, 20, became Formula One's youngest world champion by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, securing the title with four races remaining.
Historic Achievement
Antonelli is the first Italian champion since 1953 and needed only a ninth-place finish to claim the crown, but he drove composure through a chaotic race to finish third.
Emotional Celebration
On the final lap, tears blurred his vision as memories from karting flooded his mind. He parked his Mercedes in the Foro Sol Stadium and was embraced by his parents and sister, then shared the podium with race winner Max Verstappen and second-placed Lewis Hamilton, who lifted the young Italian onto their shoulders.
Personal Significance
Antonelli broke down when the Italian aria "Nessun Dorma" played, a song his late grandfather loved. His father Marco, a former racer, has been a constant presence, keeping him grounded since Mercedes signed him at age 12 and promoted him to replace Hamilton in 2024.
Season Dominance and Number Choice
The new champion has won nine races this season, extending his lead to 119 points over Verstappen. He intends to keep his racing number 12, associated with idol Ayrton Senna, rather than adopt the champion's number one, to stay humble.
Upcoming Races
Antonelli plans to celebrate with his family before the next round in Brazil, Senna's home country, and then the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
