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Verstappen says he is proud of F1’s youngest champion Antonelli

Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-11-04GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration

Max Verstappen praised Kimi Antonelli after the Mercedes driver became Formula 1’s youngest world champion at the Mexican Grand Prix.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

Max Verstappen said he was “very proud” of Kimi Antonelli after the Mercedes driver became Formula 1’s youngest world champion at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Antonelli clinched his first title with a third-place finish, aged 20 years and 68 days. He broke Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest champion by more than three years.

In a post-race interview with Nico Rosberg, Verstappen said Antonelli had produced an incredible season and described what he achieved at such a young age as “really, really impressive.” He also pointed to the Mercedes team celebrating with Antonelli and his family being there. Verstappen said he was sure it was an emotional day for the new champion.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCEMax Verstappen shares emotional message after Kimi Antonelli's historic F1 title winMotorsport.com F1