Kimi Antonelli Becomes F1’s Youngest World Champion, Sparks Celebration Across Paddock
The 20‑year‑old Italian clinched his first title in Mexico City, igniting praise and excitement throughout Formula One.
Kimi Antonelli has become the focal point of the Formula One paddock after securing the world championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The 20‑year‑old Italian finished third for Mercedes behind Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, after which Hamilton lifted Antonelli in celebration.
Race engineer Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington, who has previously worked with multiple champions, described the day as “very special” and said he feels privileged to work with Antonelli, even when putting up with his pranks and tricks, including the water pistols.
Antonelli called sharing the podium “truly incredible” and said he looks forward to future battles with the champions, adding that this win is “just the beginning” and a new point to build on.
His connection to motorsport began early. At ten, he sat on his father Marco’s lap behind the wheel of a competition Lamborghini, shifting gears while his father managed the pedals. At eight, Marco smuggled him into an F1 paddock hidden inside a stack of tyres.
Antonelli reflects on the close bond with his father, saying they often “look like lunatics because we just talk about racing,” and that they enjoy analyzing the sport together.
Born to Elisabetta, who stays out of the spotlight, and Marco, a former driver and team principal, Antonelli started karting at seven. He notes that his father initially opposed a racing career, warning that motorsport can be financially harsh without the right support.
Despite that, Marco taught his son everything about racing and life, and Antonelli emphasizes the importance of having his father by his side during races.
Antonelli’s triumph marks Italy’s first world champion since 1953 and positions him as a generational talent poised for future success.
