Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest F1 world champion at 20

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli made history this year by becoming Formula One’s youngest world champion at 20 years old, a record that also marked Italy’s first championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953. The story began before the 2026 season, when most of the F1 community believed Mercedes had the fastest car and George Russell was the favourite for the title. Antonelli, then a teenage teammate, was seen as a prodigious talent who would need further development after a challenging rookie season.

That consensus lasted only one race. By the sixth round, Antonelli had turned expectations on their head, establishing himself as a serious contender for the championship. Observers noted his strong performance in a car that dominated the first two‑thirds of the season, and praised his verve, aggressive skill, judgment, and moments of maturity that belied his age.

Antonelli’s triumph is notable not only for the record it set but for the manner in which he achieved it, drawing attention to his rapid growth and competitive spirit on the track.