Newly-crowned F1 champion, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has hailed an “incredible” maiden title.
Antonelli ran fourth for much of the opening two phases of the Mexico City Grand Prix and inherited third under a safety car on lap 45, as Lewis Hamilton pitted just before a red flag was thrown due to a high-speed suspension failure for Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas at Turn One.
Stewards though opted to take the restart order from the end of lap 44 and once the race recommenced on lap 47 from a standing start, Hamilton and Antonelli cleared Leclerc but couldn’t pass winner – Max Verstappen as third proved enough for Antonelli to become champion.
His title success in just his second season meant that Antonelli had become the youngest-ever F1 champion at 20 years and 68 days, surpassing the previous record of 23 years and 134 days set by Sebastian Vettel in 2010.
Speaking to media post-race, Antonelli was still blown away by his achievement as he iterated that the success will be amongst his memories for the rest of his lifetime.
“It’s difficult to put into words what I’m feeling right now. I’m still trying to process it all, but to be able to say that I am world champion is just incredible. This is a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.
“We’ve had an amazing season and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together. From very early on, we had a strong car and were able to be consistent, and that gave us the belief that we could fight for the championship.”
Antonelli proceeded to pay tribute to Mercedes for entrusting him to be the successor to Lewis Hamilton in 2025, despite having only finished sixth in his rookie F2 season in 2024 with two wins, so was pleased to repay their confidence with the title.
“I wouldn’t be here without this team and without all the people and partners who have supported me throughout my career. Mercedes has believed in me for so many years and given me this incredible opportunity, so to repay that trust by winning the World Championship together means so much.
“I also have to thank my family, my friends and everyone who has been there for me along the way.”
With four races left in the season – subject to Qatar and Abu Dhabi going ahead, Antonelli also admitted that he felt the tension to seal the title in Mexico but was pleased to share a special podium with Verstappen and Hamilton as he now targets the constructors’ title in Brazil.
“I definitely felt more tension coming into this weekend, knowing what was possible, so to get it done today is a huge relief and an amazing feeling. Finishing on the podium made it even more special and sharing it with Max and Lewis was really cool.
“We still have races to go and we want to finish the season strongly by clinching the Constructors’ Championship, but tonight we’re definitely going to enjoy this moment together as a team.”
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