Kimi Antonelli has become Formula 1’s youngest world champion after clinching the title in Mexico. At 20 years, two months and seven days old, he surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s previous record, set in 2010 at 23 years, four months and 11 days. Antonelli is also the first Italian to win the championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953, and secured the title with four races remaining.
Fernando Alonso congratulated Antonelli but offered a measured assessment of his rise. The Aston Martin driver said the young Italian had adapted to the current Formula 1 rules better than anyone, describing him as exceptionally talented. Alonso suggested that this ability to adjust had helped Antonelli master cars he considers counterintuitive.
Alonso also referred to Antonelli’s junior career, saying he had been less consistent and that, in his view, other drivers had performed better when competing in equal cars. Antonelli spent one season in Formula 2, in 2024, and finished sixth. Gabriel Bortoleto won the championship, while Isack Hadjar placed second; both have since reached Formula 1.
Alonso also cited Oliver Bearman as a driver he considered stronger than Antonelli in that category. Bearman finished 12th in the 2024 Formula 2 standings but recorded three wins, one more than Antonelli. Alonso added that Antonelli now has a dominant car.
Despite those reservations, Antonelli’s championship marks a remarkable outcome for a driver Mercedes chose to replace Lewis Hamilton.
Sources: Motorpasión.