Why a 20-Year-Old Won the Formula 1 World Championship on His Second Attempt

When Mercedes chose Kimi Antonelli as the replacement for Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 Formula 1 season, there were many who thought that the pressure of filling the most decorated driver in history would be too heavy a burden on the Italian’s shoulders. And certainly, not even the boldest would have predicted that just two years later he would already be champion.

But this All Souls’ Day in Mexico Antonelli has been crowned the Formula 1 world champion. The youngest in history, and the first Italian to achieve it in 73 years. He did it with four races to spare, and by crushing a more experienced teammate. For once, youth has been an asset in his favor.

Antonelli is the first Italian champion since 1953

On August 31, 2024 Mercedes issued a statement: Kimi Antonelli, an Italian driver who had just turned 18, would replace Hamilton at the team. Surprising not only for his youth but also for the discreet nature of his results. Antonelli was sixth in Formula 2, with only two podiums, both wins, across the season. He finished sixth in the final standings.

His arrival to Formula 1 did not change the dynamic. Between Imola and Zandvoort in 2025, his debut year, Antonelli went scoreless in seven of the nine races, finished tenth in another, and achieved a podium, third, in the remaining one. All that with a Mercedes in hand. So, how did that driver manage to become champion in his second season?

The key lies precisely in his youth and inexperience. For once, it has played in his favor. The 2026 regulation change has demanded a radically different style of driving from Formula 1 cars. Going slower through corners to recharge the battery and unleash all the power on the straight. After 19 races, some veterans are still trying to adapt. Antonelli did it right away.

With a clear mind, free from too many vices acquired from the past, Antonelli has adapted to the new way of driving. He won five of the first six races and finished second in the remaining one. Meanwhile, his experienced teammate, George Russell, is struggling to retain the runner-up position, and in every race he is further away from Antonelli. Simply, lifting off in a curve does not come naturally to him.

Thus, Antonelli has made history. At 20 years old, 2 months and 7 days he is the youngest champion in history. But the previous record belonged to Sebastian Vettel in 2010, set at 23 years, 4 months and 11 days. Antonelli has shaved more than three years off it. Additionally, he is the third Italian champion, and the first to achieve it since Alberto Ascari in 1953. 73 years of Italian wait.

With a 20-year-old driver adapted to this new driving style and Mercedes with a dominating car, the only question left is how long Antonelli’s reign in Formula 1 will last.

Images | Mercedes