Formula 1, Kimi Antonelli is world champion. Video of the race

At just 20 years old, Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver in the history of Formula 1 to become world champion. The last Italian to win the world title was Alberto Ascari, in 1953.

The Mexican Grand Prix

In the Mexican Grand Prix won by Max Verstappen, the Mercedes driver finished third and was mathematically certain of the title. In the race in Mexico City, stopped by a red flag after 45 laps due to Valtteri Bottas' accident, Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari also got on the podium, second, while Charles Leclerc was fourth on a day that began with a 5-second penalty for an episode with his teammate on the first lap. Fifth place for Lando Norris (McLaren), ahead of George Russell's Mercedes.

Immediately after crossing the finish line that crowned him world champion, Kimi Antonelli cried inside the cockpit of his Mercedes. Then the hugs with Hamilton, Verstappen, his family and the entire Mercedes team. "We did it, I wouldn't be here without Mercedes and my family, I'm grateful to them. It's been an incredible season, how incredible and crazy it is to share the podium with champions like Hamilton and Verstappen. Thank you very much Mexico", said the champion.

The words of the parents

"Kimi champion? In the next few days I will realize what happened. For me we saw the champion last year, with the way he got back on top after a dark period. I think he did a great job last year, and this is the result." Marco Antonelli, Kimi's father, spoke thus to Sky a few minutes after the Formula 1 world title won by his son at the Mexican Grand Prix. Great emotion also for Veronica, the young champion's mother: "Last year was very hard, full of criticism of him, his family and Mercedes. Being here is an incredible thing."

Reactions from politics

"Kimi Antonelli is world champion! At just 20 years old, he achieved an extraordinary achievement, becoming the youngest world champion in the history of Formula 1. A success that brings an Italian driver back to the top of the world, rewarding talent, commitment, determination and dedication. A reason for great pride for our nation. Congratulations, Kimi!" Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni writes this on Thus Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

The other great sportsmen

"Congratulations Kimi that you managed to do, congratulations on your world title." So Jannik Sinner in a video published on his social profile.

"It moved me a lot, it was great, it was wonderful to follow him, it's one of those moments that reminds you where you are." Word of Valentino Rossi who, in connection with Sky Sport, congratulated Kimi Antonelli. "He was scary, he made the difference on everyone, the difference he made on his teammate was impressive. The Mercedes was the best car but it didn't dominate. A lot of this championship is thanks to him." Then Rossi added: "I also heard about him thanks to the name Kimi which recalls Kimi Raikkonen and I also started following him on karts. He could become one of the strongest drivers in history. I like to be compared to him and I like to cheer for him".