Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history after securing the sport’s most prestigious prize at the Mexico Grand Prix.
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver’s achievement ended Italy’s 73-year wait for a Formula 1 world champion. Alberto Ascari was the last Italian to win the title, taking it with Ferrari in 1953.
Antonelli finished on the podium in Mexico behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, keeping his composure during a chaotic race and confirming his place at the top of the championship. The result prompted celebrations for Mercedes and emotional scenes, with Antonelli in tears behind the wheel.
“It’s a dream,” Antonelli said.
The achievement dominated Italy’s newspapers, which celebrated the return of Formula 1’s biggest prize to the country. One report described the result as “a sporting feat for the ages”, while others hailed Antonelli as a new Italian sporting king.
His mother revealed that the new world champion still receives pocket money every month.
Singer Vasco also praised the Mercedes driver, saying: “He looks like a Ferrari driver, sign him up.”
The title is Italy’s first in Formula 1 since Ascari’s success 73 years ago and marks another major milestone in Antonelli’s rapid rise.
Lazio move clear as Juventus put pressure on Allegri
In football, Lazio moved alone into first place after a dramatic victory over Napoli.
Alajbegovic scored a superb goal to beat Alex Meret, finally breaking the tension inside the Stadium after intense protests before kick-off. He later went off with a calf concern.
Boga added a second outstanding goal after Napoli defender Marianucci was sent off. The match also brought injury concerns for Juventus players McKennie and Cabal.
The newspapers described the result as a moment of brilliance from Alajbegovic and said Juventus had lifted themselves up, while Luciano Spalletti’s position put further pressure on Allegri.
Elsewhere, Torino were criticised after a poor display, with anger also directed at the penalty decision. Their defeat in Frosinone was described as a major disappointment.
Peter Young is a Senior Reporter with Football Italia.
