Kimi Antonelli says he "couldn't see" through his tears on the final lap of the Mexico City Grand Prix as he was overcome with emotion before becoming Formula 1 world champion for the first time. Antonelli finished third behind race-winner Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton to lower Sebastian Vettel's record of being F1's youngest world champion by over three years, sealing the title at 20 years and 68 days old. The Italian was overcome with emotion on team radio and in several post-race interviews, and revealed he was already crying during the closing stages of the race.
"Already the lap before, I think I lost probably two seconds because I was already crying, basically. I couldn't see clearly ahead," said Antonelli. "I could see two Ferraris somehow with the tears.
A lot of memories went through my mind in that moment, all the memories since karting all the way to here. "It was a very special final lap, and definitely, when I crossed the line, I let it all out because it was just achieving one of my biggest dreams. It was very special." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Antonelli is just the third Italian driver to win the F1 Drivers' Championship and the first since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
The Mercedes driver was lifted up by Verstappen and Hamilton on the podium with iconic Italian songs 'Nessun Dorma' and 'Sarà, perché ti amo' playing in the background, which Antonelli later revealed made him think about his late grandfather. "The first song was very emotional for me because it was a song that my grandfather used to listen to always, so it was very special to hear that. I think he would be very proud," said Antonelli as he took a moment to compose himself through the tears in the post-race press conference.
"Oh my God, I've cried way too much today, but it's good. I just got very emotional because of my grandfather." It was somewhat fitting that Antonelli followed home two of F1's greatest drivers in Verstappen and Hamilton to become world champion. Antonelli replaced Hamilton at Mercedes following the latter's shock move to Ferrari in 2025 and the 20-year-old says it was an "incredible" moment to share the podium with the two multiple world champions.
"It happened in Canada as well this year, earlier in the year, but obviously this is special. I will definitely frame the picture and put it in my house because it's just an incredible moment," he said. "To see so much respect from two incredible drivers who have done the history of the sport is truly special, and a moment that will live and will always be remembered.
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