Antonelli’s triumph crowns him the youngest 2026 F1 champion as Mercedes secures a massive lead in the constructors’ race.
The Mexico City Grand Prix delivered a historic climax to the 2026 Formula 1 season. Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli crossed the finish line in third place, sealing enough points to become the youngest ever World Drivers’ Champion at just 20 years old.
His Mercedes-powered effort earned him 380 points, a margin of 119 over the next contender – a gap that renders any comeback mathematically impossible with four races remaining.
Behind Antonelli, the fight for the runner-up spots turned into a nail-biting three-way duel.
Max Verstappen of Red Bull slipped into second with 261 points, merely two points ahead of Lewis Hamilton (259). George Russell of Mercedes trailed by eleven points, holding third place with 250. The standings also marked the debut point for Ryo Hirakawa in a Haas, who finished tenth and collected his first championship point.
Drivers’ and Constructors’ tables after the Mexican Grand Prix
In the World Drivers’ Championship, the top ten now reads:
- 1. Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes – 380 pts
- 2. Max Verstappen – Red Bull – 261 pts
- 3. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari – 259 pts
- 4. George Russell – Mercedes – 250 pts
- 5. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – 245 pts
- 6. Lando Norris – McLaren – 221 pts
- 7. Oscar Piastri – McLaren – 144 pts
- 8. Isaac Hadjar – Red Bull – 107 pts
- 9. Liam Lawson – RB – 83 pts
- 10. Pierre Gasly – Alpine – 42 pts
The Constructors’ Championship mirrors Mercedes’ dominance. The German outfit sits at 630 points, holding a 126-point cushion over Ferrari, which sits on 504. Red Bull Racing and McLaren fight for third, separated by seventeen points (382 vs 365). The gap between the front-running trio and the rest of the field has never been wider this season.
George Russell’s heartfelt response and team reaction
Following the race, Mercedes team-principal Toto Wolff disclosed that British driver George Russell was “distraught” after witnessing his teammate lift the championship trophy. The FIA levied a €5,000 fine for Russell’s missed media obligation, but Wolff explained the exemption as compassionate, noting Russell’s emotional state. In a personal Instagram post, Russell wrote, “Now feels like a pretty suitable moment to speak from the heart,” and described the season as a mix of high hopes and “tough luck and poor performances.” He admitted 2026 “was not meant to be my year” and pledged to give his all for the remaining races.
Russell also paid sincere tribute to Antonelli, stating, “I want to sincerely congratulate Kimi on what has been an absolutely incredible season. You truly deserve the Championship.” He added gratitude toward the Mercedes engineering crew for delivering “the best car and power unit this season.” The British driver hinted at a renewed focus on consistency, aiming to help the team retain the constructors’ crown in Brazil.
Looking ahead: the final sprint in São Paulo
The calendar now points to the São Paulo Grand Prix as the last leg of the triple-header. With the title already decided, the remaining contests will revolve around the battle for second in the drivers’ tally and the fight for the constructors’ podium. Mercedes will look to consolidate its 630-point lead, while Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren each have a realistic shot at narrowing the gap. Russell is scheduled to fulfill his media duties ahead of the Brazilian weekend, and his comments will likely provide further insight into the team’s strategy for the final push.
Overall, the Mexican Grand Prix not only crowned a record-breaking champion but also reshaped the championship narrative for the closing stages of 2026. Fans can now anticipate a dramatic conclusion in Brazil as the remaining teams vie for the remaining honors.
