F1 Mexico: Antonelli World Champion, Verstappen Wins
The newsroomUpdated on November 2, 20264 minKimi Antonelli (Mercedes), third in the Mexican GP, becomes F1's youngest world champion at 20. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) wins ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
Key point
Third in the Mexican GP, Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) is Formula 1 world champion at 20 years and 68 days with four races to spare; Max Verstappen (Red Bull) wins ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) is the 2026 Formula 1 world champion. Third in the Mexican Grand Prix, the Italian secured his first title with four races to spare, at 20 years and 68 days. The race itself went to Max Verstappen (Red Bull) ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), on a day shaped by the Ferrari team-mates' fight and by several post-race penalties.
Antonelli, the youngest champion in history
In only his second F1 season, Antonelli breaks the record of Sebastian Vettel, champion in 2010 aged 23 years and 134 days, which had stood for 16 years. He also ends a 73-year wait for an Italian world champion. This season he became the youngest pole-sitter, the youngest championship leader and the youngest driver to reach five wins, according to Crash.net.
A win built on the Ferrari fight
Verstappen started fifth. On the first lap Hamilton and Charles Leclerc fought for the lead and ran off the track, which let the Dutchman move up to second. Leclerc then received a five-second penalty. Red Bull pitted Verstappen at the same time as Leclerc, and the Red Bull driver came out ahead in the pits, then held off Hamilton to the chequered flag. It is his third win of 2026, his 74th in F1 and his sixth in Mexico.
Final race classification (71 laps):
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), +0.799 s
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), +4.006 s
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), +10.707 s
- Lando Norris (McLaren), +11.778 s
- George Russell (Mercedes), +12.263 s
Post-race penalties
The classification changed several times in the hours after the flag. Oscar Piastri was penalised for his collision with Arvid Lindblad and drops out of the points, in 13th. Both Alpines, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, received penalties for yellow-flag infringements and also lose their points. As a result Ryo Hirakawa (Haas) finishes tenth and scores a point in his first F1 race.
Where the championship stands
In the drivers' standings Antonelli has 380 points and 9 wins. Verstappen moves up to second with 261 points, two more than Hamilton (259). Russell (250) is fourth, Leclerc (245) fifth. In the constructors' table Mercedes (630 points) is closing in on the title, ahead of Ferrari (504), Red Bull (382) and McLaren (365).
Four races remain. At Ferrari, The Race speaks of a lack of respect towards the team after the Hamilton–Leclerc fight.
The editorial team
Frequently asked questions
Who is the 2026 Formula 1 world champion?
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes). Third in the Mexican GP, he clinched his first title with four races to spare, at 20 years and 68 days.
Who won the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who started fifth, ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) by 0.799 s and Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) by 4.006 s.
What are the championship standings after Mexico?
Antonelli has 380 points, Verstappen 261, Hamilton 259, Russell 250 and Leclerc 245. In the constructors' table Mercedes leads with 630 points ahead of Ferrari (504).
Sources
- The Race — 2026 Mexican Grand Prix result after penalties
- Crash.net — New F1 standings after the Mexican GP
- Crash.net — Verstappen wins in Mexico after the Ferrari fight
- Crash.net — Antonelli makes history: the youngest world champions
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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