Hamilton congratulates Antonelli on title after Mexico City podium, rues Ferrari team battle

Lewis Hamilton has congratulated Kimi Antonelli on becoming Formula 1 world champion, describing the Mercedes driver's title as well deserved and a record likely to stand for some time. Antonelli secured the 2026 drivers' crown with a third-place finish at the Mexico Grand Prix.

Hamilton himself took second after claiming pole position at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. His race was dominated by a wheel-to-wheel fight with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc on the opening lap, which saw Leclerc later handed a five-second penalty for running off track at Turns 4 and 5. Hamilton reclaimed the upper hand and finished on the podium.

Writing on Instagram, Hamilton said the weekend had been full of challenges for Ferrari, while praising his mechanics and engineers. He acknowledged that losing what could have been a win was frustrating, and said battling between teammates must be balanced against the cost to the team.