Kimi Antonelli has opened up about the night he became Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion, admitting that his Kimi Antonelli F1 title celebrations in Mexico City saw him abandon his usual restraint. The 20-year-old Italian secured the crown with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, with four rounds of the 2026 season still remaining.
A night to remember
Despite the final leg of a triple-header looming this weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil, Antonelli and the Mercedes team marked the occasion on Sunday night. Asked whether deputy team principal Bradley Lord had been the biggest party animal, Antonelli told Sky Sport Germany that Lord was good, but he himself was not joking either.
Antonelli explained that he generally avoids alcohol, preferring his mother’s pasta ragu, but made an exception for such a special occasion. He went full out, and although he felt the effects quickly because he was not used to drinking, he kept going until the end. He admitted that waking up was not easy and his body was not in the best state, but the night was full of fun with the team, his father and some friends present.
He described it as the best way to celebrate such a special day, but insisted that focus has now returned to trying to win.
Messages from champions and sporting stars
The newly crowned champion revealed he was inundated with congratulations from across the sporting world. Fellow world champions Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who shared the podium with him in Mexico, were among the first to reach out, and Antonelli said he also received messages from reigning world champion Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Beyond Formula 1, Italian sporting icons Valentino Rossi and Jannik Sinner also sent their congratulations. However, one message stood out above the rest: a video from retired four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
Antonelli described the message from Vettel as really cool, very nice, emotional and deep. He highlighted that Vettel told him his life would change a lot, but advised him to stay true to himself and grounded because there are still races to win. Antonelli said he can use that advice for the future.
He expressed his gratitude for the support he received from all over, saying he feels very lucky and that it was great to see so many people happy for him.
Looking ahead
With the title secured, Antonelli is not resting on his laurels. He stated that he wants to win the remaining races this year and finish on a high. Looking further ahead, he described 2027 as a completely new beginning and a new point to build on to come back even stronger.
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix takes place this weekend, with practice sessions on Friday and qualifying and the race on Saturday and Sunday. Antonelli’s focus is now on adding more victories to his championship-winning season.
