There was a lot of talk beforehand about Antonelli winning the world championship at the race in Mexico City. He needed just two points to make history as the youngest world champion ever. Antonelli has failed to score points only once this season.
We had such a good car very early on, we were very consistent and I thought we actually had a chance this year. I'm very happy to have been able to pull it together, says Antonelli, according to formula1.com.
Interruption and safety car
Sunday's race was chaotic and included a long interruption after Finn Valtteri Bottas crashed, followed by a late safety car after Arvid Lindblad crashed.
The winner was Dutchman Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who overtook race runner-up Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari in the fight for second place in the world championship standings.
Four races remain in the season, which is scheduled to end in Abu Dhabi on December 6.
First victory and title
Few could have predicted that Kimi Antonelli would win the world championship in his second year in Formula 1. In his debut year last season, he recorded no victories and just three podium finishes, ending seventh in the overall standings.
This year, the 20-year-old has dominated.
After finishing second in the season opener in Australia in March, behind teammate George Russell, the young Mercedes driver won five consecutive Grands Prix.
It has not always been easy to stay focused, as the idea of the world championship was there so early, says Antonelli.
Praised in Italy
At home in Italy, he is being praised by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“A success that brings an Italian driver back to the top of the world and that rewards talent, commitment, determination and dedication. A source of great pride for our country. Congratulations, Kimi,” she writes on X.
F1 boss, Italian Stefano Domenicali, also joins the chorus of praise.
Today he joins the legends of our sport. A new chapter in Formula 1 history has been written, he says, according to AP.
But there is more to come, says the protagonist himself:
This is just the beginning.
What do you think?