Antonelli names Vettel’s video among his favourite messages after F1 title

Kimi Antonelli said a video message from Sebastian Vettel was among his favourite messages after he became Formula 1 world champion. At Thursday’s media day ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, he described the four-time champion’s message as especially meaningful and said it offered advice for the future.

Antonelli, 20, clinched the 2026 Drivers’ Championship with third place at the Mexico City Grand Prix the previous weekend, in his second season. He became F1’s youngest world champion, breaking a record previously held by Vettel.

He said he had received many messages of support and found it hard to name the one moment or action that impressed him most. The title still felt surreal, Antonelli said, and he had not yet fully absorbed what had happened.

Antonelli said he wants to enjoy the remaining races while continuing to fight for wins; his goal in São Paulo is to win. Mercedes can still clinch the Constructors’ Championship in Brazil this weekend.