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Kimi Antonelli creates history, becomes youngest F1 world champion

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Driving for Mercedes, Antonelli clinched the 2026 Formula 1 world championship to set the record as the youngest driver ever to do so. His success followed back-to-back title eras dominated by Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren's Lando Norris. The achievement expands an already historic championship legacy for Mercedes, which previously enjoyed immense success with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Furthermore, it brings Italy back into the championship spotlight alongside traditional motorsport powerhouses.

Key points

  • Italy now stands alongside Brazil, Finland, and Germany in the historical Formula 1 natio…: Italy now stands alongside Brazil, Finland, and Germany in the historical Formula 1 nation championship rankings.
  • Britain remains the most successful nation in the sport's history, holding the record wit…: Britain remains the most successful nation in the sport's history, holding the record with 11 world championship titles.
  • All-time Formula 1 driver records continue to be led by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hami…: All-time Formula 1 driver records continue to be led by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton with seven championships each.

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Year | World champion | Country | Team |

---|---|---|---|

2026 | Kimi Antonelli | Italy | Mercedes |

2025 | Lando Norris | Britain | McLaren |

2024 | Max Verstappen | Netherlands | Red Bull |

2023 | Max Verstappen | Netherlands | Red Bull |

2022 | Max Verstappen | Netherlands | Red Bull |

2021 | Max Verstappen | Netherlands | Red Bull |

2020 | Lewis Hamilton | Britain | Mercedes |

2019 | Lewis Hamilton | Britain | Mercedes |

2018 | Lewis Hamilton | Britain | Mercedes |

2017 | Lewis Hamilton | Britain | Mercedes |

2016 | Nico Rosberg | Germany | Mercedes |

2015 | Lewis Hamilton | Britain | Mercedes |

2014 | Lewis Hamilton | Britain | Mercedes |

2013 | Sebastian Vettel | Germany | Red Bull |

2012 | Sebastian Vettel | Germany | Red Bull |

2011 | Sebastian Vettel | Germany | Red Bull |

2010 | Sebastian Vettel |…

Other