Andrea Kimi Antonelli wins 2026 Formula 1 world championship at Mexico City Grand Prix, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico City, Mexico): For columnist Mario Domínguez, the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix was far more than a race. It was a celebration of motorsport and a day that will remain in memory, with the eyes of the world focused on Mexico and the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez delivering a spectacle worthy of its history.
The main protagonist was Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes. At 20 years, two months and seven days old, he became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in the sport’s history, surpassing the record held by Sebastian Vettel.
His third-place finish secured the title with four races still to be contested.
He did not need to win to make this date the most important of his career. Demonstrating talent and composure amid a tense competition was enough.
The victory went to Max Verstappen, who started fifth and seized the circumstances to take control and hold the lead. Lewis Hamilton, who took pole position with Ferrari, finished second and maintained pressure until the end, crossing the line less than a second behind the Dutch driver.
With Antonelli on the third step, the podium brought together two great champions and the young driver who had just written his name among them.
There were also setbacks. A penalty for Charles Leclerc for gaining an advantage off track altered the battle for the lead.
Later, a serious crash involving Valtteri Bottas, caused by a suspension failure on his Cadillac, forced a red flag stoppage. After the restart, Antonelli passed Leclerc and claimed the position from which he would celebrate his championship.
It was a test of patience, strategy and nerve.
Another emotional moment made the Grand Prix especially meaningful for Mexican fans: the return of Sergio “Checo” Pérez with Cadillac. Although the team does not yet have a competitive car and the result fell well short of the points, seeing him race again at home was wonderful.
His presence represented perseverance, pride and a reunion with a fan base that never stopped believing in him.
The columnist also praised the Mexican crowd, calling it the best in the world. Its dedication turned the grandstands into a festival and showed that passion does not depend on winning.
Mexico celebrated the new champion and embraced its driver.
