Antonelli becomes youngest F1 champion as Mexico penalties reshape standings

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli clinched the Formula 1 title with third place at the Mexico City Grand Prix, becoming the sport’s youngest champion. Max Verstappen’s victory lifted him to second in the standings, ahead of Lewis Hamilton, while George Russell dropped to fourth.

Antonelli has 380 points, 119 more than Verstappen’s 261. He is the 36th driver to win the title and the first Italian champion in 73 years.

Post-race penalties changed the order further. A 10-second penalty for a collision with Arvid Lindblad dropped Oscar Piastri from seventh at the chequered flag to P16.

Both Alpine drivers were penalised for yellow-flag infringements. Pierre Gasly fell from ninth to 17th, while Franco Colapinto dropped from an inherited seventh to 15th.

F1 debutant Ryo Hirakawa joined Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar among the points scorers, moving up the championship standings.