Antonelli Clinches 2026 Title as Ferrari Implodes in Mexico City

Kimi Antonelli clinched the 2026 Formula 1 world championship in Mexico City with a measured drive to the podium, sharing the rostrum with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari's intra-team battle stole the headlines as Charles Leclerc and Hamilton collided on the opening lap, turning a likely one-two into damage limitation.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's title, sealed with ninth place enough, ends a season of dominance and silences critics. But it raises questions about how he will handle a sustained fight with Verstappen and Hamilton in 2027. Ferrari's civil war threatens to undermine its championship aspirations.

The details:

• Verstappen drove from fifth to win, surviving two restarts and holding off Hamilton. Red Bull's RB22 has improved significantly over the second half.
• Leclerc was penalized for cutting the corner after contact with Hamilton, who blamed his teammate for costing Ferrari a one-two. Fred Vasseur admitted frustration.
• George Russell missed post-race media duties, earning Mercedes a €5,000 fine, after another technical issue ruined his race.
• Liam Lawson finished seventh from the pit lane, best of the rest, while Ryo Hirakawa scored a point on debut for Haas.

What's next:

Ferrari must decide how to manage its alpha drivers before 2027, while Antonelli faces the pressure of defending a title. Red Bull's resurgence and Mercedes' internal dynamics will shape the next campaign.