Kimi Antonelli crowned 2026 F1 world champion as Max Verstappen wins wild Mexico City Grand Prix from Lewis Hamilton

In a dramatic conclusion to the 2026 Formula 1 season, Kimi Antonelli has been crowned the World Champion. The young driver secured the title following a chaotic and highly contested Mexico City Grand Prix, where he finished in third place, just enough to clinch the championship standings.

The race itself was won by Max Verstappen, who delivered a masterful performance to cross the finish line ahead of Lewis Hamilton. The Mexico City event was characterized by unpredictable racing conditions and intense duels, fitting for a championship-deciding round. Antonelli’s third-place finish solidifies his status as a rising star, making him the youngest driver to ever achieve a Formula 1 world title, surpassing legends such as Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso.

Following the race, the motorsport world has been abuzz with comparisons between Antonelli and the sport’s greatest historical champions. Experts note that his maturity under the high-pressure environment of a title-decider proves he possesses the necessary traits for long-term success in the sport. While Verstappen’s victory in Mexico was a significant achievement for his personal record, the day belonged to Antonelli, whose consistency throughout the 2026 season ultimately paid off. As the paddock prepares for the offseason, attention now turns to how other teams will adjust their lineups to challenge the new champion in 2027. Antonelli’s achievement is being celebrated as a landmark moment that marks a changing of the guard in professional racing. Sources: Sky Sports

Aggregated summary. Original: Sky Sports