flag
back Back
Kimi Antonelli makes F1 history with title win at Mexico City Grand Prix, Max Verstappen takes race victory
Antonelli seals historic F1 title as Verstappen wins Mexico City Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history as Max Verstappen wins Sunday's Mexico City Grand Prix.

Only requiring a ninth-placed finish or higher, the 20-year-old enjoyed a drama-free race to seal third spot behind Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Not only does Antonelli becomes the youngest-ever winner of an F1 title at 20 years and 68 days, he ends a 73-year wait for an Italian to become the top dog in the sport.

After the high of earning his first pole in Ferrari colours on Saturday, Hamilton was left raging with teammate Charles Leclerc after the first lap.

Leclerc moved into first place by being aggressive alongside Hamilton and gaining the position by going off the track. Although a five-second penalty later followed, Leclerc benefitted from the clean air until his first pit-stop, much to the frustration of Hamilton.

Verstappen, on the medium tyres in comparison to the softs of the Ferraris, stayed behind Leclerc and followed him into the pits, subsequently taking the lead in the process.

With overtaking difficult, a lull until the closing stages of the Grand Prix felt likely, but a red flag for Valtteri Bottas crashing out and his Cadillac damaging barriers led to a delay with 25 laps remaining.

On the second standing start, Hamilton make full use of starting on the cleaner side of the track to surge past Leclerc, but he could make no inroads on Verstappen despite their cars making small contact at the first corner.

Behind them, Antonelli came under no threat from Leclerc and Lando Norris behind him, allowing him to enjoy his crowning moment.

Verstappen takes advantage in race for second place in Formula 1 standings

While he is 119 points behind Antonelli, Verstappen is now two point ahead of Hamilton in the race for the runners-up spot.

Russell has dropped down to fourth position, nine points behind Hamilton, while Leclerc is a further five points down the standings.

You may like

Lewis Hamilton has pole at the Mexican Grand Prix but that could be BAD news for the Ferrari star

gpfans.com 17 hours ago

Chaotic Ferrari implodes on historic weekend for Italy: Mexico City GP driver ratings

sportbible.com 1 hour ago

Lewis Hamilton fumes at Ferrari team-mate in chaotic Mexican GP start as FIA investigate

gpfans.com 6 hours ago

Kimi Antonelli's huge net worth, publicly dumped by girlfriend and famous dad

Express 8 hours ago

F1 Standings | Antonelli seals Drivers’ title with Mercedes on the brink

gpblog.com 3 hours ago

Lewis Hamilton issues verdict on George Russell struggles: 'He's had a lot of problems'

gpfans.com 6 hours ago

F1 prize money - how much will Kimi Antonelli earn for winning world title?

Express 6 hours ago