Max Verstappen showed his true character in parc ferme after the Mexico City Grand Prix, warmly congratulating new Formula One world champion Kimi Antonelli and his entire family. Verstappen won the race, but the day belonged to Antonelli, who finished third and secured the title.
Antonelli Becomes Youngest Champion
In only his second year on the grid, the Italian has become the youngest world champion in the sport's history, aged 20 years, two months and seven days. The top three drivers pulled over in the stadium section of the circuit to celebrate in front of thousands of fans, with Antonelli sharing the moment with his Mercedes colleagues.
His father, mother and sister were all in parc ferme to mark the occasion. After climbing out of his car, he was embraced by Lewis Hamilton before walking across to Verstappen, who had already made a beeline for Antonelli's father, Marco, hugging and congratulating him while also shaking hands with the Italian's mother and sister.
Verstappen and Hamilton Praise the New Champion
Verstappen then said on the microphone: "It's incredible what a season he's had, and to do that also at such a young age, it's really, really impressive. It's amazing to see the whole team celebrating with him and his family is here as well. I'm sure this is a very emotional day for him and I'm very proud of him."
Hamilton was also full of praise for what the 20-year-old has achieved. He said: "A huge congratulations to Kimi and the Mercedes team. It's great to see them all out here celebrating this success. To be the youngest world champion ever is pretty phenomenal and I'm so grateful to be in the race to witness it."
Antonelli's Emotional Reaction
Antonelli knew he was likely to leave Mexico City as world champion, needing only to finish ninth or higher if either Hamilton or George Russell won. Since neither did, he was guaranteed the title regardless of his own result. Still, he was overcome with emotion after taking the chequered flag, with race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington confirming over the radio that he was the new world champion.
Once he had composed himself, Antonelli said: "We did it. Without Mercedes, without my family, I wouldn't be here. I'm very grateful for this moment, it's one that I'll relive forever. I'm speechless. I'm trying to process what's just happened."
Antonelli also received a huge hug from team boss Toto Wolff, who lifted the driver off the ground. Wolff mocked those who questioned Mercedes' decision to hand Antonelli the seat vacated by Hamilton: "'Why did you put this kid in the car? Who is Kimi Antonelli?' This is Kimi Antonelli. Incredible. Also today, just completely serene. That's what makes him so different."
