By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Italian driver Kimi Antonelli secured the Formula One world championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, becoming the youngest title winner in the sport's history at age 20. The Mercedes driver finished third in a chaotic race that featured a red flag and a second start, clinching the crown by a comfortable margin.
China
After George Russell opened the season with victory in Melbourne, Antonelli announced his title credentials in China by claiming his first pole position and converting it into a maiden win, leading his teammate home by five seconds.
Monaco
Antonelli extended his winning streak to five consecutive races with victory on the streets of Monaco, becoming the youngest driver to win at the principality's iconic circuit and moving into the championship lead.
Belgium
A pivotal swing came at Spa-Francorchamps after title rivals Russell and Lewis Hamilton collided on the opening lap. Antonelli held off Charles Leclerc to win and stretch his advantage to 45 points over Hamilton and 50 over Russell.
Italy
On home soil at Monza, Antonelli produced a remarkable comeback from the back of the grid following a penalty. Benefiting from a strategic call and a new engine, he became the first Italian driver in 60 years to win at the temple of speed.
United States
Antonelli put one hand on the trophy with a dominant performance in Austin, taking pole and winning by 13 seconds over Leclerc. Russell finished eighth, the minimum needed to keep the title race mathematically alive, while Antonelli required just two more points.
Mexico City
Needing only a ninth-place finish to secure the championship, Antonelli started fourth after a kiss from his mother Veronica. He navigated a chaotic start, a red-flag period, and a second race start to finish third and become the first Italian world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. His father Marco, a former racer, and sister Maggie were among those celebrating in the paddock.
