Kimi Antonelli clinches maiden Drivers’ Championship with podium in Mexico City

Italian rookie Kimi Antonelius made history at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Sunday, sealing his first Drivers’ Championship with a third‑place finish. The 22‑year‑old, driving for the Red Bull‑powered Scuderia Aurora, became the youngest champion since Sebastian Vettel, and the first Italian to win the title since 2007.

Antonelli’s podium came after a tightly contested race that saw Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claim pole, but a strategic tyre gamble by Aurora allowed the newcomer to overtake Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on lap 38. Antonelli held off a late charge from Mercedes rookie Maya Patel to cross the line in third, earning the crucial 15 points needed to stay ahead of Verstappen in the championship standings.

In a heartfelt post‑race interview, Antonelli described the moment as “incredible” and “something I will remember forever.” He thanked his family, the Aurora team, and the fans for their unwavering support. “Winning the title in Mexico, a country that has embraced us so warmly, is a dream come true,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

For Indian fans, the race started at 02:00 IST and was broadcast live on FanCode with a pre‑race analysis show hosted by former driver Karun Chandhok. The Indian commentary team highlighted Antonelli’s rapid rise through the junior categories, noting his impressive performances in Formula 2 and the recent Formula 3 championship.

Antonelli’s triumph adds a fresh narrative to the 2026 season, which has already featured several record‑breaking performances. With three races remaining, the title fight is technically over, but the battle for the Constructors’ Championship remains open, as Aurora and Red Bull are locked in a close duel. Indian viewers can look forward to the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, where the night race will be streamed live on FanCode at 02:00 IST.

Source: Formula1.com