Who is Kimi Antonelli? Meet the Youngest Formula 1 World Champion in History

Kimi Antonelli has created history by becoming Formula One's youngest-ever world champion. Know about his early life, racing career, Mercedes journey, major achievements and records.

Nov 2, 2026, 11:36 IST
Kimi Antonelli (Image Source: X.com)
Kimi Antonelli (Image Source: X.com)

Italian Formula One driver Kimi Antonelli rewrote history by becoming the youngest-ever to win a World Championship. With this achievement, he has also become only the third Italian driver to win the iconic championship.

The Mercedes driver clinched the title at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix after finishing third in the race. e achieved this feat at just 20 years and 68 days old, breaking Sebastian Vettel's previous record of winning the world championship at the age of 23 years and 134 days.

From childhood karting championships to fulfilling his Formula One dream, we will now look at everything about Kimi Antonelli.

Mexico City Grand Prix 2026: Race Details and Final Scoreline

The 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix took place in Mexico City on November 1, 2026, at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit. The race covered a total of 71 laps.

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Detail
Information
Grand Prix
Mexico City Grand Prix
Date
November 1, 2026
City
Mexico City, Mexico
Circuit
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

Mexico City Grand Prix 2026: Final Race Scoreline

Position
Driver
Team
Points
1
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
25
2
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
18
3
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
15
4
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
12
5
Lando Norris
McLaren
10
6
George Russell
Mercedes
8
7
Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
6
8
Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi
4
9
Isack Hadjar
Red Bull
2
10
Ryo Hirakawa
Haas
1

Formula One Drivers' Championship 2026 Standings After Mexico City GP

Position
Driver
Team
Points
1
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
380
2
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
261
3
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
259
4
George Russell
Mercedes
250
5
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
245
6
Lando Norris
McLaren
221

Top 5 Youngest Formula One World Champions of All Time

Rank
Driver
Country
Team
Championship Year
Age
1
Kimi Antonelli
Italy
Mercedes
2026
20 years, 68 days
2
Sebastian Vettel
Germany
Red Bull
2010
23 years, 134 days
3
Lewis Hamilton
Great Britain
McLaren
2008
23 years, 300 days
4
Fernando Alonso
Spain
Renault
2005
24 years, 58 days
5
Max Verstappen
Netherlands
Red Bull
2021
24 years, 73 days

Who is Kimi Antonelli?

Kimi Antonelli was born on August 25, 2006, in Bologna, Italy. He is an Italian Formula 1 driver who represents Mercedes. Even at an early age, he made his mark in international motorsports with his exceptional talent.

He competed in junior racing competitions, from karting to other categories, and Mercedes signed him to its Junior Programme in April 2019. He went on to win several iconic championships.

Details
Information
Full Name
Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Popular Name
Kimi Antonelli
Date of Birth
August 25, 2006
Age
20 years
Birthplace
Bologna, Italy
Nationality
Italian
Profession
Formula One racing driver
Current Team
Mercedes
Car Number
12
Father
Marco Antonelli
Formula One Debut
2025 Australian Grand Prix
First F1 Team
Mercedes
First World Championship
2026
Racing Category
Formula One

Kimi Antonelli's Major Career Achievements

  • 2019: Joined the Mercedes Junior Programme at just 12 years old.

  • 2022: Won Italian Formula 4 and ADAC Formula 4 championships.

  • 2023: Won the Formula Regional European Championship and Formula Regional Middle East Championship.

  • 2025: Made his debut in the Formula One championship with Mercedes team in the Australian Grand Prix.

  • 2025: Achieved first Formula One podium finish in the Canadian Grand Prix.

  • 2026: Won his first Formula One Grand Prix race in the Chinese Grand Prix.

  • 2026: Became the youngest Formula One Drivers' World Champion at 20 years and 68 days.

  • Varun Verma

    Senior Executive - Editorial

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