F1 Grid Unites in Praise of New World Champion Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli sealed the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship with a composed third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix, becoming world champion in only his second season. The 20-year-old Italian shared the podium with race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, the driver he succeeded at Mercedes, in a symbolic passing of the torch. The paddock united in praise for Antonelli’s maturity, consistency, and race craft.

Why it matters:

• Antonelli’s title at 20 makes him one of the youngest champions in F1 history, and his rapid rise signals a generational shift.
• He beat an experienced teammate and held off multiple world champions, proving his mettle under sustained pressure.
• The universal respect from rivals underscores how cleanly he managed his championship campaign.

The details:

• Verstappen: “To achieve this in your second year is always very impressive… he's the deserved champion.”
• Hamilton: “It was a beautiful… very special moment” to share the podium with his successor.
• Norris: “He's blown everyone away… made everyone else look silly.”
• Piastri, Leclerc, Sainz, Albon, Colapinto, and Bortoleto all praised his race pace, consistency, and composure.

What's next:

Antonelli will be celebrated as the newest champion as the season concludes. With his blend of speed and maturity, he now becomes the benchmark for the next generation—and the target for every rival in 2027.