Antonelli says tears cost him ‘probably two seconds’ as he clinched F1 title in Mexico

Kimi Antonelli said emotion cost him time in the closing laps of the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he clinched his first Formula 1 title. He was crying on the lap before the finish and estimated he had lost “probably two seconds”; on the final lap, he “couldn’t see clearly ahead.”

Antonelli entered the race needing only ninth place on the road to become Formula 1’s youngest champion. He stayed in podium contention and consolidated third with a late overtake on Charles Leclerc.

He said he could make out two Ferraris through his tears, while memories from karting onward ran through his mind. Crossing the line, he let the emotion out, having achieved one of his biggest dreams, he said.