Kimi Antonelli officially clinched the Formula One crown in Mexico City by securing a third-place finish. He entered the race weekend holding an overwhelming advantage of more than 120 points, requiring just two points to finalize the triumph. Outgoing champion Lando Norris publicly defended the accomplishment, emphasizing that Antonelli outperformed vastly more experienced peers rather than benefiting from weak competition. The championship year featured nine total race victories, including a dominant five-race streak and marquee wins at Monaco, Monza, and Spa.
Key points
Norris emphasized that Antonelli deserves greater recognition for outperforming veteran r…: Norris emphasized that Antonelli deserves greater recognition for outperforming veteran rivals like Hamilton and Russell.
Teammate George Russell admitted earlier in the week that Antonelli competed at a superio…: Teammate George Russell admitted earlier in the week that Antonelli competed at a superior level throughout the campaign.
Antonelli entered the deciding Mexico City weekend holding a commanding lead of more than…: Antonelli entered the deciding Mexico City weekend holding a commanding lead of more than 120 points over his closest competitors.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
MEXICO CITY, Nov 1 : McLaren's outgoing Formula One world champion Lando Norris believes Kimi Antonelli has made winning this year's title look easy and deserves far more credit for his achievement.
Mercedes driver Antonelli became the sport's youngest champion on Sunday, in only his second season, with the 20-year-old also Italy's first in 73 years.
"He's done an insane job," said Norris ahead of the race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
"I feel like people are somehow not giving him enough credit for what he's achieved this year.
"He's beaten a teammate (George Russell) that's been in the sport four or five times longer than him, who's also very good, and took the battle to Lewis (Hamilton)."
Antonelli, third on Sunday after starting fourth, went into the Mexico City weekend 123 points clear of Russell and 124 ahead of Ferrari's seven-time champion Hamilton.
That meant the winner of nine races so far, one more than pre-season favourite Russell has managed in his career, needed only to score two points even if either of his remaining rivals won the race.
Readers can follow ongoing developments through a five-day real-time stream active from November 2 through November 6, 2026. This dedicated blog delivers up-to-the-minute updates overseen by a specific editorial group. Audience members can easily navigate or distribute the unfolding coverage through built-in platform features.
Physical setbacks have disrupted the Black Caps' preparations ahead of Wednesday's five-match contest in Auckland, following their narrow 3-2 defeat in the preceding Twenty20 campaign. Team medical staff confirmed that neither player has regained full fitness, prompting selectors to assemble a rotational replacement strategy across the upcoming home fixtures. The roster adjustments challenge the hosts' depth against a confident touring Indian side.
The private aircraft went down in Greenacres near West Palm Beach during a multi-state journey, resulting in the loss of everyone aboard. Authorities confirmed no survivors among the passengers and crew traveling along the cross-regional corridor. The devastating incident abruptly halted the international transit operation before it could reach its destination.