Norris: Antonelli 'Made Everyone Look Silly' in 2026 Title Run

Kimi Antonelli is Formula 1’s 2026 world champion after finishing third at the Mexican Grand Prix, and the paddock’s reaction was as unanimous as it was admiring. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver beat George Russell over a season in which he won nine races and finished off the podium only once in a grand prix he completed.

Why it matters:

Antonelli’s title is not just a breakthrough for him; it marks a generational shift. Rivals say he combined raw speed with the consistency usually associated with established champions, turning a competitive Mercedes into a title-winning campaign in only his second F1 season.

The details:

• Lando Norris, the outgoing champion, said Antonelli “made everyone look silly” and “smashed” Russell in the same car. He highlighted Antonelli’s minimal mistakes, wins from the front and drives from the back, and said the title was fully deserved.
• Franco Colapinto called the Mexico podium a perfect image: Antonelli between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. He praised the young champion’s speed and the consistency needed to carry a championship lead from almost start to finish.
• Gabriel Bortoleto focused on composure: “The guy didn’t break.” He noted Antonelli’s only rough weekends were rare and said he hopes to fight him for titles in the future.
• Carlos Sainz said Antonelli “maximised everything,” dominating the first half of the year and controlling the second—exactly what a champion must do. Alex Albon pointed to race pace and a relaxed mentality.

What’s next:

With Hamilton and Verstappen both paying tribute, Antonelli’s first title already carries weight beyond the numbers. The question now is whether Mercedes can keep him at the front—and whether F1’s youngest champion can turn one brilliant season into a dynasty.