NFL
By: Courtney Walsh
The Champ Is Crowned
It’s official, folks. Kimi Antonelli clinched the Formula 1 world title at the Mexican Grand Prix, finishing third with four races still left on the calendar. At just 20, he is the youngest champion in F1 history and beat Sebastian Vettel’s record by more than three years. He’s also Italy’s first champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953, and he hands Mercedes its first drivers’ crown since Lewis Hamilton’s seventh title in 2020.
Mexico City had its own drama. Max Verstappen beat Hamilton, while George Russell finished sixth after a 10-second penalty for a crash.
Once he started winning, there was just no stopping him… 🏆
He did it! ✍️
#F1 #MexicoGP https://t.co/15ClcOXGzy
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 2, 2026
How He Did It
In only his second F1 season, Antonelli won nine of 19 races and led the standings from the third round on. Canada and Monaco were the turning point. He won both while Russell scored nothing in either, thanks to a mechanical failure and a pit-timing mistake, and his lead ballooned to 68 points after six rounds. Russell, remember, started the year as the betting favorite. He still finished second in the standings.
The rest of the field made it fun too. Defending champ Lando Norris survived the chaos to win in the Netherlands, Charles Leclerc took Silverstone, and Verstappen charged back with a dominant win in Singapore before taking Mexico. Nobody could keep pace with the Mercedes kid, though.
What’s Next in F1
Four races remain: Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. São Paulo is first, on November 8. With the drivers’ title settled, the spotlight turns to the teams. After Singapore, Mercedes had 578 points to Ferrari’s 444, so the constructors’ fight is the next storyline to watch. Russell has bigger plans too. He says being second this year matters less to him than setting up a title run in 2027.
And here’s the part I love: F1 is heading to Africa! Under a 10-year deal, a Rwanda Grand Prix will join the calendar in the early 2030s, the sport’s first African race since 1993. Antonelli’s era is just getting started, and the whole world is invited. Buckle up!
