The Italian driver secured the Formula 1 title for Mercedes during his sophomore campaign with a third-place finish at the Mexico Grand Prix. This milestone eclipses the previous benchmark set by Sebastian Vettel in 2010. The achievement represents a complete turnaround from a demanding rookie season filled with retirements and intense external scrutiny. Across his dominant 19-round campaign in 2026, he delivered 16 podium finishes, highlighted by a streak of six consecutive race victories.
Key points
A breakthrough win in China made him the first Italian driver to win a Grand Prix since 2…: A breakthrough win in China made him the first Italian driver to win a Grand Prix since 2006.
The championship follows a difficult rookie season in 2025 where external pressure and re…: The championship follows a difficult rookie season in 2025 where external pressure and retirements challenged the driver.
Replacing seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton at age 18 culminated in a historic sophomore…: Replacing seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton at age 18 culminated in a historic sophomore title for Mercedes.
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Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes protege, has done it. The Italian has become Formula 1's youngest-ever World Champion, breaking the record held by Sebastian Vettel, who was crowned champion in 2010 at the age of 23. Antonelli has achieved the feat in just his second season with Mercedes, having endured a difficult rookie campaign before dominating the 2026 season.
Nine wins, 16 podiums in 19 rounds and six consecutive victories. His 2026 campaign was a remarkable turnaround from a debut season in which the pressure of replacing a seven-time world champion often showed.
Antonelli's Formula 1 journey took a significant turn in August 2024 when Mercedes announced him as Hamilton's replacement for the 2025 season.
Hamilton's decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari brought an end to a hugely successful partnership that had produced six Drivers' Championships and multiple Constructors' titles. Replacing a driver of his stature was never going to be an easy assignment, particularly for an 18-year-old making his Formula 1 debut.
However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff placed his faith in Antonelli, who had impressed through the junior categories.
The London club's board opted for an immediate leadership change to keep their Premier League promotion ambitions on track. Stagnating results dropped the squad to eighth place in the second tier, prompting executives to seek a fresh approach after recent form deteriorated. The decision concludes a turbulent tenure that previously saw the side suffer relegation from the top flight.
Authorities in the state have reported the tragic death of an aspiring medical candidate who was preparing for the highly competitive entrance examination. The incident highlights the severe mental health challenges and academic burdens faced by young test candidates across the region. Investigations are currently underway to gather more details surrounding the circumstances of the student's passing.
Severe weather sweeping across the region has claimed a life and brought transportation to a standstill in Sadiya, Assam. Strong winds toppled large trees across a major thoroughfare, paralyzing local transit corridors and stranding commuters. Emergency responses are underway as communities deal with the physical destruction left along the affected route.