Kimi Antonelli Wins F1 World Championship: Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton Offer Their Praise

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has enjoyed an extraordinary 2026 Formula 1 season. The Mercedes driver did not only claim the World Championship title in just his second season in the sport, he delivered such dominant performances that even his rivals cannot hide their admiration for him.

One of the most notable tributes came from Lando Norris. The 2025 F1 World Champion, now driving for McLaren, stated that Antonelli's achievements have far exceeded all expectations, particularly given his extremely young age and relatively limited experience at Motorsport's highest level.

"I just hope everyone gives him the proper credit he deserves for what he's done this season. He's made every single other driver out here look silly. What he has accomplished is absolutely incredible," Norris told the official Formula 1 platform.

This praise is well founded. Antonelli officially secured the 2026 F1 World Championship title after taking third place at the Mexican Grand Prix, held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in the early hours of Monday 2 November WIB.

This result means the Italian driver can no longer be caught by any of his competitors, even with four races still remaining on the calendar.

After 19 rounds, Antonelli has accumulated 380 championship points. He holds a massive 119 point advantage over Max Verstappen, who sits second in the Standings with 261 points.

With only a maximum 100 points available across the four remaining events, the World Championship crown is already firmly in the Mercedes driver's hands.

Antonelli's dominance is also reflected in his win tally. He has notched up nine victories so far across the 2026 campaign, a remarkable feat for any driver competing in only their second Formula 1 season.

Norris went on to say Antonelli is fully deserving of his title. This is not just down to his raw speed, but also his ability to maintain consistent performance while competing head to head against far more experienced opponents.

"He's only 20 years old, that's unbelievable. I'm so, so happy for him. I'm really glad that my title from last season has passed on to him. He has earned every bit of this," Norris added.

This championship win has also written Antonelli into Formula 1 history. At 20 years and 68 days old, he becomes the youngest ever F1 World Champion, breaking the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel, who claimed his first title at 23 years and 133 days old.

Antonelli also becomes only the third Italian driver ever to win the Formula 1 World Championship. Before him, Giuseppe Farina took the inaugural title in 1950, while Alberto Ascari won back to back championships in 1952 and 1953.

This milestone makes Antonelli's rise all the more remarkable. He arrived in Formula 1 carrying huge expectations, after Mercedes selected him to replace Lewis Hamilton at the team.

Now, the young driver has brought home the very same world title that his legendary predecessor once won for the squad.

Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, also paid his own tribute. The seven time World Champion stood on the very same podium as Antonelli at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Hamilton finished second that weekend, behind race winner Max Verstappen, while Antonelli's third place finish was enough to seal his championship crown.

"From what I can remember, that was one of the most special moments I have ever experienced on an F1 podium," Hamilton commented.

That moment perfectly encapsulates Antonelli's achievement this year. He stood on the podium alongside two all-time greats of the sport, yet this entire season belonged to him.

For Mercedes, Antonelli's success marks the official start of a brand new era for the team following Hamilton's departure. For his rivals meanwhile, the 20 year old's dominance has set a daunting benchmark to overcome for future seasons.

The four remaining rounds in Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi will no longer decide the Drivers' World Championship. Even so, Antonelli still has the opportunity to add more race wins, and cap off a season that has already earned him universal respect from every competitor on the grid.