Max Verstappen claimed victory at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, while Kimi Antonelli secured the Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship with a third-place finish at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
The Red Bull driver held off Lewis Hamilton to win an eventful race, which featured a red flag, multiple incidents and a late Safety Car.
However, the biggest story of the weekend was Antonelli’s historic achievement, as the Mercedes driver became the youngest world champion in F1 history at just 20 years old.
Meanwhile, Ferrari were left reflecting on a missed opportunity after an opening-lap clash between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc compromised their race.
George Russell also endured a difficult afternoon, finishing sixth as his Mercedes team-mate celebrated a maiden world title.
Verstappen takes advantage of Ferrari chaos
Verstappen secured his third victory of the 2026 season after producing a strong performance at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Starting fifth on the grid, the Red Bull driver made an excellent start to move into second place behind Hamilton, who began from pole position.
The opening lap quickly became chaotic as Hamilton and Leclerc battled for the lead, with the Ferrari drivers running side-by-side through the opening corners.
Leclerc eventually ran across the grass while attempting to complete the move, emerging ahead of Hamilton but having left the circuit.
Ferrari’s opening-lap battle hands Verstappen an advantage
The incident allowed Verstappen to capitalise, moving past Hamilton and positioning himself behind Leclerc.
The Monegasque driver subsequently received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, which ultimately proved costly for Ferrari.
Verstappen took the lead after the pit stops, with Leclerc serving his penalty before rejoining behind the Red Bull driver.
The Dutchman then maintained his advantage through the race’s interruptions, including a red-flag stoppage following a heavy accident involving Valtteri Bottas.
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Verstappen holds off Hamilton after late Safety Car
Hamilton continued to apply pressure to Verstappen throughout the closing stages, with the Ferrari driver remaining within striking distance of the Red Bull.
A late Safety Car was deployed after Oscar Piastri and Arvid Lindblad made contact, sending the Racing Bulls driver into the barriers.
Verstappen made a clean getaway at the restart, but Hamilton remained close enough to challenge for the lead.
The Red Bull driver ultimately held on to win by 0.799 seconds, with Hamilton finishing second and Antonelli completing the podium.
Antonelli secures historic F1 championship
Although Verstappen secured the race victory, Antonelli’s third-place finish proved sufficient to secure the 2026 Drivers’ Championship.
The Italian entered the Mexico City Grand Prix needing only to finish ninth to guarantee the title, regardless of where his closest championship rivals finished.
Starting fourth, Antonelli initially maintained his position before moving into third following the race restart.
The Mercedes driver then controlled the remainder of his race to secure the podium and complete a remarkable championship campaign.
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Mercedes star breaks youngest champion record
At 20 years old, Antonelli surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s record to become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
Vettel previously held the record after winning his maiden championship at 23 years and 134 days old in 2010.
Antonelli’s achievement also ended Italy’s 73-year wait for a Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, with Alberto Ascari the country’s previous world champion in 1953.
The Mercedes driver has now secured his maiden title in only his second season in the sport, following a campaign defined by consistency and impressive race performances.
Antonelli reflects on maiden world championship
Antonelli was emotional after securing the title, acknowledging the role played by Mercedes and his family in helping him achieve his childhood dream.
Speaking to Formula 1 after the race, the Italian said: “Without them, I wouldn’t be here. Without Mercedes, without my family.”
The new world champion added that he was grateful for the moment, describing it as one that would live forever.
Antonelli’s achievement was particularly impressive given the experience of the drivers he faced throughout the season, including Verstappen, Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate Russell.
F1 grid praises Antonelli’s championship success
Antonelli’s championship victory was met with widespread praise from across the Formula 1 grid.
Despite being only in his second season in the sport, the Mercedes driver has impressed his rivals with his consistency, maturity and ability to deliver under pressure.
Verstappen praised Antonelli’s achievement, highlighting the difficulty of winning a championship so early in a driver’s career.
Speaking to Formula 1, the Red Bull driver said: “I think to achieve this in your second year in F1 is always very impressive.”
Verstappen and Hamilton congratulate Mercedes champion
Verstappen also praised Antonelli’s ability to compete against more experienced drivers, particularly his Mercedes team-mate Russell.
The Red Bull driver added: “He’s just driven incredible. And I’m very proud of him, how he has handled himself this whole season.”
Hamilton was equally impressed by the Italian’s achievement, describing sharing the podium with Verstappen and Antonelli as a special moment.
The Ferrari driver said: “I think it was a very special moment, one of the most special moments that I remember having here.”
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Norris says Antonelli has made rivals look silly
Lando Norris was also quick to praise Antonelli following the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The McLaren driver highlighted the Italian’s ability to understand and maximise his Mercedes, particularly given his limited experience in Formula 1.
Speaking to Formula 1, Norris said: “He’s made everyone else look silly, he’s driven that well.”
Norris also praised Antonelli’s work ethic, adding that the young Italian deserved every bit of success he had achieved.
Ferrari clash costs team potential victory
Ferrari were left frustrated after Hamilton and Leclerc’s opening-lap battle ultimately cost the team an opportunity to challenge for victory.
Hamilton started from pole position, while Leclerc made an excellent start to move alongside his team-mate during the opening corners.
However, the battle between the two Ferrari drivers quickly escalated, with Leclerc running across the grass and Hamilton losing momentum.
The incident allowed Verstappen to take advantage and eventually secure the race victory.
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Leclerc’s penalty adds to Ferrari’s frustration
Leclerc received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage during the opening-lap incident.
The penalty compromised Ferrari’s strategy, with Verstappen eventually taking the lead after the pit stops.
Hamilton continued to challenge Verstappen throughout the race, but Ferrari were unable to secure victory despite having started from pole position.
Leclerc ultimately finished fourth, while Hamilton secured second place.
Ferrari face questions after Mexico City clash
The incident has raised questions about Ferrari’s approach to managing their drivers during a race.
The team will now need to assess the situation before the next round of the championship, particularly given the importance of avoiding unnecessary incidents between team-mates.
According to The Race, the clash between Hamilton and Leclerc crossed a new line, with Ferrari facing further internal discussions following the race.
The team will be hoping to resolve the situation before the Brazilian Grand Prix as they seek to challenge for further victories.
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Russell struggles as Mercedes team-mate wins title
Russell endured a difficult Mexico City Grand Prix as his Mercedes team-mate celebrated a maiden world championship.
The British driver started from the front row but suffered an unexpected lack of deployment on the opening straight, costing him several positions.
Russell also received a 10-second penalty following a collision with Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, further compromising his race.
The Mercedes driver eventually finished sixth, while Antonelli secured the third-place finish needed to claim the championship.
Wolff explains Russell’s emotional reaction
Russell was subsequently excused from his post-race media duties after leaving the circuit, with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff describing him as distraught.
The British driver had entered the season as a championship favourite, but Antonelli’s performances ultimately proved decisive.
Russell’s difficult afternoon was compounded by the fact that his team-mate secured the title while he finished outside the podium positions.
Mercedes will now need to manage the situation carefully as they look to maintain a strong working relationship between their drivers.
F1 championship battle shifts to Brazil
While Antonelli has secured the Drivers’ Championship, the battle for the remaining championship positions remains ongoing.
Verstappen’s Mexico City Grand Prix victory strengthened his position in the standings, while Hamilton’s second-place finish also proved valuable for Ferrari.
Mercedes will now turn their attention to the remaining races, with the team having secured the championship through Antonelli’s remarkable performances.
Meanwhile, Ferrari will be hoping to recover from their missed opportunity in Mexico City as they seek to challenge for further victories.
The Formula 1 grid will next head to Brazil for the São Paulo Grand Prix, where the focus will shift towards the remaining championship battles.
Antonelli’s historic achievement has already secured his place in Formula 1 history, but the young Italian will be eager to finish his championship-winning season on a high.
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