Kimi Antonelli wins Formula One title in debut season for Mercedes
Italian driver Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula One world champion at 20, securing the 2026 title with Mercedes after a series of race victories and consistent performances.
Mercedes secured the 2026 Formula One drivers' championship as 20-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli clinched the title, becoming the sport’s youngest world champion and Italy’s first since 1953. Antonelli, who joined the team as a teenage teammate of George Russell, overcame a difficult rookie year to win nine races, including his debut Grand Prix in Shanghai and a victory from 19th on the grid at Monza.
The champion celebrated the achievement with his family at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, saying,
“We did it. I wouldn’t be here without Mercedes, without my family. This moment is one that will live forever. I am speechless. I am just trying to process this moment.”
After a crash in practice at the season opener in Australia and a mixed start to the year, Antonelli secured his first pole position and race win in China, then added victories in Japan, Miami, Canada, Monaco, Belgium, Monza, Austin and Singapore. His consistent point scoring created a lead of more than 60 points over both Russell and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, a margin that proved decisive despite occasional setbacks such as a qualifying crash in Baku and a wheel-shield failure at Silverstone.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Antonelli’s performance, noting the driver’s ability to manage the new energy-recovery cars and maintain composure under pressure. The season marked a shift in the competitive landscape, with Antonelli’s results prompting analysts to revise expectations that had initially favored Russell as the title favorite.