How Antonelli overcame Russell, Ferrari to become F1's youngest champion

Kimi Antonelli was crowned the 2026 Formula 1 world champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix, sealing the title with four races of the season remaining. He stood on the last step of the podium, behind race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari. At 20 years old, Antonelli made his title fight look remarkably easy. He laid down the foundations with his maiden victory at the second race of the season in China, and with the exception of the occasional reliability setback with his Mercedes, he remained composed ever since.