Antonelli claims F1 crown, ending Italy's 73-year wait
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver secured the title with four races remaining, sparking national celebrations from Milan to his hometown of Bologna.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
Kimi Antonelli is the new Formula 1 world champion. The Mercedes driver clinched the title on Sunday by finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix. He secured the championship with four races still on the calendar. This makes him the youngest driver ever to hold the crown.
Italy celebrated its first F1 world title winner in 73 years on Monday. The last Italian to achieve this feat was Alberto Ascari in 1953. Most national newspapers placed Antonelli on their front pages. Some featured images of him standing on the shoulders of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Others paired his photo with the Italian flag.
The reaction extended well beyond the racing world. Tennis star Jannik Sinner posted a video message to congratulate the young driver. He asked, 'Mamma mia Kimi, what have you managed to do!' Sinner noted that Antonelli had brought home something incredible for the nation. Motorcycling legend Valentino Rossi also sent his regards. He stated that they were all very proud of Antonelli's achievement.
Olympic swimmer Federica Pellegrini called the win a very important page in Italian sports history. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted her congratulations on social media shortly after the race ended. She described the 20-year-old's victory as an extraordinary milestone. Meloni said the success rewarded talent and commitment while bringing an Italian driver back to the top of the world.
Local honors followed the national acclaim. The Mayor of Bologna announced that Antonelli would receive the Nettuno d'Oro. This is the city's highest civic honor. More than 200 residents gathered in a theater near Antonelli's childhood home to watch the race on a large screen. Friends and fans also met at a pub in San Marino for a viewing party.
Antonelli's close associates described him as a quiet and normal person. Edoardo Cristoni, a friend who watched the race in San Marino, recalled Antonelli talking about his dream since he was young. Cristoni said it brought him great joy to see the young man fulfill that goal. The contrast between his public status and private demeanor struck many observers.
F1 fan Massimo Rosti attended the watch party in San Marino. He had followed the sport since 1984. Rosti admitted he had never been moved to tears watching a driver before. He called Antonelli a down-to-earth person who was truly special. His mother, Veronica, offered a similar perspective in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. She noted that he still receives pocket money every month.
