Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history at age 20, securing the 2026 title with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver clinched the championship with four races remaining, becoming the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Max Verstappen won a chaotic race, holding off Lewis Hamilton after capitalizing on a first-lap battle between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The race featured a red flag following Valtteri Bottas' massive crash, a standing restart, and a Safety Car period. Verstappen managed his aging soft tires before the restart, then defended against Hamilton on fresh rubber.
Leclerc finished fourth after a five-second penalty, while Lando Norris (McLaren) and George Russell (Mercedes) rounded out the top six. Russell served a 10-second penalty for an opening-lap collision. The championship now heads to Brazil for the next round.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing