Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula One world champion at 20 years old after finishing third at the Mexican Grand Prix, a result that drew widespread praise from the sport's leading drivers.
The Italian secured the title in only his second year in F1, a season that included nine wins. He shared the podium with race winner Max Verstappen and second-placed Lewis Hamilton, who lifted Antonelli onto their shoulders to accept the crowd's approval.
A debut title in Mexico
Antonelli described the moment as special. "It's a special moment," he said. "One that we'll remember for ever." His race engineer, Peter Bonnington, suggested this could be the first of many titles. "It's a pleasure to be on the journey with you, but it's just the first chapter," he said.
Defending champion Lando Norris led the tributes to the driver who had taken his crown, emphasising that Antonelli had been exceptional. "He's done an insane job. I feel like people are not giving him enough credit for what he's achieved this year," said Norris.
Rivals united in praise
Norris noted that Antonelli had beaten a teammate with far more experience. "He's beaten the teammate that's been in the sport for four times longer than him. Who was also very good and who took the battle to Lewis Hamilton," he said.
Norris suggested the achievement may not be fully appreciated because Antonelli had made it look easy. "[Yes] 100% he's made it look like an easy year. They say he's not had much competition or anything, but that's because he slapped his competition," he added. "I think he's done an unbelievable job. Incredible, incredible job."
Verstappen and Hamilton were also generous in their praise. "It's incredible, what a season [Kimi] had," Verstappen said. "To do that at such an age is really impressive. I'm sure this is a very emotional day with him."
Hamilton said: "A huge congratulations to Kimi and the Mercedes team, they're all here celebrating his success. I'm so grateful to be in the race to witness it."
