Antonelli becomes Formula 1 world champion at 20

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli finished third in the Mexican Grand Prix and, at 20 years and 68 days old, became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. The race was won by Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. At the finish line, Antonelli expressed his joy over the radio, in tears. His family and sister also met him at the end of the race.

Antonelli is the first champion Italy has produced since 1953, and he broke the previous youngest champion record held by Sebastian Vettel, who won at 23 years and 134 days. The last Italian champion was Alberto Ascari, and that title was won 73 years ago.

The race at the high-altitude Hermanos Rodriguez circuit was dramatic. Two safety cars came onto the track, several crashes took place, and the race was stopped with a red flag. In the 71-lap race, a 33-minute stoppage occurred with 25 laps to go. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who started from pole position, finished second after making contact with his teammate Charles Leclerc. Leclerc finished fourth, McLaren's Lando Norris fifth, and Antonelli's teammate George Russell sixth.

In the overall standings, Antonelli's lead grew to 119 points. Verstappen moved up to second and Hamilton to third. Russell, who had been seen as the favorite beforehand, dropped to fourth, 130 points behind.