Kimi Antonelli's first words after becoming youngest F1 world champion shows how much win means

Kimi Antonelli has made history with his debut F1 title - and his first words after winning shows just how significant it is.

The Italian clinched the 2026 series by finishing third behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at the Mexico City GP, becoming the youngest champion of all time in the process.

Beating Sebastian Vettel’s 2010 record of 23 years and 134 days, being crowned at 20 years and 68 days. He's also Italy’s first world champion for 73 years.

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'I'm trying to process what happened' - Kimi Antonelli makes history as youngest ever champion

The Mercedes driver has been the class of the field in 2026, winning nine races.

His teammate George Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen are the next closest with three apiece this year, and the significance of Antonelli’s achievement almost overwhelmed him, weeping on the team radio.

“We did it, we did it Thank you,” he said.

“Kimi, Champion of the world!” screamed his race engineer Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington down the radio. “We did it! World champion, we did it!"

Antonelli was then interviewed in the stadium section of the Mexico City track.

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"I wouldn't be here without Mercedes, without my family, so I'm very grateful for this moment, and it's one that will live forever. And I just I'm speechless. I'm trying to process what has just happened.

"It's been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible."

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen pay tribute to new champion Kimi Antonelli

After an incident-packed race with two huge crashes, Antonelli was joined in the podium by Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

The Red Bull driver paid tribute to a driver who has been the class of the field in 2026.

"What a season he had, and you know, to do that also at at such an age, I think it's just really, really impressive," said Verstappen.

"And I mean, it's amazing to see the whole the whole team, of course, celebrating with him, his family is here as well. So, I'm sure this is a very emotional day for him, and I'm very proud of him."

Hamilton was left a frustrated second in the race, but also had kind words to impart to Antonelli.

"A huge congratulations to Kimi and the Mercedes team," said Hamilton. "It's great to see them all up here celebrating their success. Youngest world champion ever. It's pretty phenomenal, and I'm so grateful to be in the race to witness it."