Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest Formula 1 world champion

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has secured the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship at the age of 20, becoming the youngest champion in the sport's history. By finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Antonelli broke the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel. His victory also marks the first time an Italian driver has won the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff noted that the decision to promote Antonelli was met with external skepticism, leading to the loss of two sponsors who questioned the driver's potential. Wolff described the move as a calculated risk that has now been validated by the championship win. While the specific companies that departed were not named, Wolff indicated that the team has since attracted new partners, such as Adidas.