Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history at the age of 20, but his celebrations were tempered after the FIA rejected a special request. The Mercedes driver clinched the Drivers' Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix with four races still remaining on the calendar.
Record-breaking victory in Mexico
Antonelli crossed the line in third place and shared the podium with race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, bringing the combined tally of world championships on display to 12. The Italian was lifted aloft by his fellow former world champions as festivities got underway following the traditional champagne shower.
His mechanics had already begun the party with Antonelli before he made his way to the podium, with the entire team finally able to uncork the celebrations later that evening in the paddock. Antonelli posed for the traditional photographs alongside his Mercedes colleagues as he was once again hoisted into the air while champagne cascaded over the nine-time Grand Prix winner.
FIA turns down trophy request
However, Antonelli was denied the chance to mark his championship triumph with the coveted Drivers' Championship trophy after the FIA turned down F1's specific request to use it during press photography in Mexico. The FIA cited tradition as their reasoning, with the drivers' champion customarily presented with the trophy at the governing body's end-of-season ceremony rather than at a Grand Prix.
Antonelli will need to wait until that ceremony in Shanghai on December 12, six days after the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, to receive his trophy.
Emotional final lap
After bringing his W17 to a halt in the boisterous Foro Sol Stadium, he leapt from the car to embrace his elated parents and younger sister Maggie. Discussing his emotions, Antonelli said: "I think I lost probably two seconds because I was already crying.
"I couldn't see clearly ahead – and I could see two Ferraris somehow with the tears!"
"A lot of memories went through my mind in that moment. All the memories since karting. So, it was a very special final lap and definitely, when I crossed the line, I let it all out because achieving one of my biggest dreams is very special."
"To be able to share this moment, to witness this moment with my whole family, with my team, and for my friends as well, it's a moment that will be always remembered."
