Kimi Antonelli has been crowned the youngest Formula One world champion in history at the age of 20, capping a remarkable 2026 season that saw him win his first grand prix in China, lead the championship from Japan, and seal the title with a third-place finish in Mexico.
A Season of Firsts
The Italian, who turned 20 during the season, began his campaign as a 19-year-old at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on 15 March. He led from pole position at the Shanghai International Circuit and celebrated an emotional first grand prix victory, before going on to win at Suzuka and become the youngest driver ever to lead the F1 championship.
His momentum continued through a gutsy performance in Miami, where he extended his championship lead to 20 points, and a victory in Montreal after teammate George Russell was forced to retire, beating Lewis Hamilton into second place.
Home Glory and Historic Wins
In June, Antonelli became the youngest winner of the Monaco Grand Prix, jumping into the sea in celebration. He then ended Italy's 60-year wait for a home win at Monza in September, holding off Russell, and became the first driver to win at the much-criticised new Madring circuit in Spain.
Despite a disappointing 16th place at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, he still led the standings by 25 points. A second-place finish to Max Verstappen in a rain-affected Bahrain Grand Prix, held at Sepang in Malaysia, moved him within touching distance of the championship.
Title Decider in Mexico
Antonelli finished third in Singapore on 11 October to give himself a mathematical chance of clinching the title in the next race. At the US Grand Prix, he knew he would be world champion if he won, Russell finished ninth or lower, and Hamilton was fifth or lower. He triumphed in Texas, but results behind him postponed his title celebration.
Going into the Mexican Grand Prix all but certain to claim the title, Antonelli came third and was hoisted aloft after sealing the championship, becoming the youngest F1 champion in the sport's history.
