Kimi Antonelli clinched his maiden Drivers’ Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing third to secure a points lead that cannot be overturned in the remaining rounds. The Italian said the achievement was a moment he would remember forever and thanked his family, Mercedes and supporters.
Antonelli started fourth and moved into the top three with an overtake on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Max Verstappen won the race ahead of Lewis Hamilton, while Antonelli celebrated his title on the podium with his family and Mercedes team members.
“We did it,” Antonelli said after the race. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here – without Mercedes, without my family. So I’m very grateful for this moment, and it’s one that will live forever. I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened.”
He described the season as “incredible” and said sharing the podium with Verstappen and Hamilton made the occasion especially meaningful. Antonelli added that he had felt more tense than usual during the weekend, but was happy the team had secured the title and could now enjoy the rest of the season.
The championship makes Antonelli the sport’s youngest-ever World Champion and Italy’s first in 73 years. He scored 380 points over 19 rounds, a total his rivals can no longer surpass this season.
Reflecting on how the campaign unfolded, Antonelli said Mercedes had a strong and consistent car early on and that he believed a title challenge was possible. He said he planned to celebrate with his family, friends and team, describing the victory as a special moment they would remember forever.
Sources: Formula 1.