Other1 min read

‘Just the beginning’ for Antonelli, F1’s prodigious, charismatic new king

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The Italian driver clinched the world title by finishing behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in Mexico. Mercedes initially signed him to their junior driver programme at age 11 after talent scout Gwen Lagrue identified his potential. His rapid trajectory saw him dominate karting and junior formulas before spending a single year in Formula Two. During his rookie campaign, he also managed three podium finishes, including a second-place result in Sao Paulo, on his way to seventh in the standings.

Key points

  • Antonelli became Formula One's youngest world champion at age 20 and the first Italian ti…: Antonelli became Formula One's youngest world champion at age 20 and the first Italian titleholder since the 1953 season.
  • Mercedes successfully replaced the departing Lewis Hamilton by fast-tracking Antonelli th…: Mercedes successfully replaced the departing Lewis Hamilton by fast-tracking Antonelli through a single Formula Two season straight into a race seat.
  • Despite the immense championship pressure, Antonelli maintained his reputation for humor…: Despite the immense championship pressure, Antonelli maintained his reputation for humor and paddock pranks while securing three podiums in his rookie year.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Kimi Antonelli, F1’s youngest world champion at 20, has become the life and soul of the paddock with his personality.

Kimi Antonelli has sparked affectionate tributes from all quarters of the Formula One paddock after becoming the sport’s youngest world champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old Italian finished third for Mercedes on Sunday behind Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton – who then hoisted him aloft as a carnival of celebrations began.

“It’s a very special day,” said Antonelli’s race engineer Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington, who has worked with seven-time champions Michael Schumacher and Hamilton and regards the new champion – Italy’s first since 1953 – as another generational talent.

Recommended Stories

list of 4 items- list 1 of 4Hamilton calls for Palestine and DR Congo freedom as Rwanda takes F1 spotlight

- list 2 of 4Dakar Rally 2027 moved out of Saudi Arabia amid conflict in Middle East

- list 3 of 4Mercedes no longer have the fastest car in F1, says leader Antonelli

- list 4 of 4F1 leader Kimi…

Other