Antonelli: Tears Blurred My Vision on Title-Clinching Lap

Kimi Antonelli has become Formula 1's youngest-ever world champion at 20 years and 68 days old after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver, who secured the title with a calculated drive, was overcome with emotion on the final lap and revealed he couldn't see through his tears.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's triumph breaks Sebastian Vettel's record by over three years and makes him the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. It also vindicates Mercedes' bold decision to promote him to replace Lewis Hamilton, who left for Ferrari in 2025.

The details:

• Antonelli finished third behind race-winner Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, but that was enough to seal the championship.
• He is the third Italian driver to win the F1 title and the first since Ascari.
• On the podium, Verstappen and Hamilton lifted Antonelli as 'Nessun Dorma' played, which reminded him of his late grandfather.
• "Already the lap before, I lost probably two seconds because I was crying. I couldn't see clearly ahead," Antonelli said.
• He credited his family, especially his father Marco, and Mercedes for their unwavering support since he joined the team at age 12.

What's next:

The F1 circus moves to Brazil for the São Paulo Grand Prix next weekend, where Antonelli will be celebrated as the newly crowned champion. With the title secured, the 20-year-old can now race with freedom as he looks to add to his victory tally.