Kimi Antonelli becomes F1's youngest champion as Verstappen wins in Mexico

[PlanckLimit36]

Formula 1 has its youngest ever world champion. PlanetF1 reports that Kimi Antonelli clinched the 2026 title by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen took victory ahead of Lewis Hamilton

Antonelli started fourth and needed to finish ninth or better. At 20 years and 68 days, he beats Sebastian Vettel's record of 23 years and 134 days from 2010, and he is the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. He now leads by an unassailable 119 points, and said over the radio that he was speechless

The race was dramatic from the start. On the opening lap, Charles Leclerc went round the outside of polesitter Hamilton at Turn 4, and Verstappen passed both of them. Leclerc later received a five second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, and he finished fourth behind Antonelli

A red flag came out on lap 46 of 71 when Valtteri Bottas's front left suspension failed and he hit the wall at Turn 1, though he was unhurt, and the race resumed with a standing restart. George Russell, Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Pérez all received penalties, Fernando Alonso retired on lap 6, and a late collision between Arvid Lindblad and Oscar Piastri brought out the safety car. Lando Norris finished fifth, Russell sixth and Piastri seventh, and Mercedes can clinch the constructors' title in Brazil

Winning the championship at 20 is an extraordinary achievement, and Antonelli has handled the pressure of a title fight brilliantly. Verstappen's second win of the year was a reminder of his class. Italy finally has a champion again after more than seven decades

How far can Antonelli go in his career? And was this Verstappen's best win of the season?

Mexican GP: Antonelli champion, Hamilton and Leclerc clash, Verstappen winswww.planetf1.com