Antonelli's F1 title: writers reflect on youngest champion

Formula 1.com writers Lawrence Barretto, Chris Medland and James Hinchcliffe have reflected on Kimi Antonelli becoming the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history, a couple of weeks after the achievement.

The writers note that Antonelli handled a difficult rookie season in 2025, which included a crash on his debut in Monza and a single point scored across the European leg. Mercedes offered him a title-contending car for 2026 a year earlier than planned, and he capitalised on the opportunity while team mate George Russell struggled.

Antonelli won nine Grands Prix in his second season, including victories in Monza and Austin, and took the title from Sebastian Vettel as the youngest champion. Hinchcliffe admitted he had made poor predictions for the 2026 season.