Antonelli Takes Mexico Crown as Ferrari Feud Reignites

Kimi Antonelli secured his first world championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing third to become Formula 1’s youngest title winner and eclipse Sebastian Vettel’s record. Max Verstappen won for the third time in four races, underlining Red Bull’s late-season resurgence.

Why it matters:

Antonelli’s title shifts the championship narrative toward a new generation, but Mexico’s biggest talking point was another Ferrari internal flashpoint. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc clashed on the opening lap, renewing scrutiny of a partnership already under pressure.

The details:

• Leclerc received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage, though analysis argued Hamilton’s reaction left his teammate with no realistic option but to run wide and was “inexcusable.”
• Ferrari was named the biggest loser of the weekend, with Hamilton’s actions costing the team a realistic victory shot.
• Verstappen and Haas debutant Ryo Hirakawa each earned 9/10 in driver ratings; Hirakawa finished 10th after replacing Esteban Ocon on Saturday. George Russell’s difficult weekend brought a 4/10.
• Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto were demoted from eighth and 10th to 15th and 17th after post-race yellow-flag penalties, with penalty points added to their super licences.

What’s next:

Antonelli has confirmed he will keep No.12 for 2027 rather than take the champion’s No.1, signalling a personal brand built on continuity. Ferrari, meanwhile, faces a clear management test: whether it can contain Hamilton and Leclerc before their rivalry costs more points.