Verstappen, Hamilton pay tribute to world champion Antonelli on podium: Watch

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen welcomed Formula 1’s newest world champion Kimi Antonelli in memorable fashion, hoisting the 20-year-old Mercedes driver onto their shoulders after Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix.

Antonelli became the youngest world champion in F1 history after finishing third behind race winner Verstappen and Hamilton in Mexico City. With the Italian having done enough to seal the drivers’ championship with four races remaining, the podium celebration turned into a moment of recognition for a driver who had just written his name into the sport’s history.

This trio A perfect podium on the day Kimi Antonelli was crowned Drivers’ Champion! #F1 #MexicoGP Formula 1 (@F1) November 1, 2026

As the three drivers stood together on the podium, Hamilton and Verstappen spoke briefly before deciding to lift Antonelli onto their shoulders. The Mercedes youngster was greeted with loud cheers from the crowd as both multiple world champions celebrated his success.

It was a fitting moment involving three drivers who represent different chapters of Formula 1. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has been one of the defining figures of the sport over the past two decades. Verstappen dominated the start of the current decade, winning four consecutive titles between 2021 and 2024. Antonelli, meanwhile, became the latest champion to take the spotlight at just 20 years old.

The gesture from Hamilton and Verstappen added to the significance of Antonelli’s success. Both spent years at the top of Formula 1 and their celebration offered the young Italian an unforgettable welcome as he joined their ranks.

ANTONELLI BREAKS VETTEL’S RECORD

Antonelli secured his first world championship at 20 years and 68 days, becoming the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 title. He broke the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first championship in 2010.

The Italian also became the first driver from his country to win a world championship in 73 years, ending Italy’s long wait for a Formula 1 champion.

Antonelli’s title was built on a season of remarkable consistency. He entered the Mexico City Grand Prix with nine race wins and 16 podium finishes, securing him the lead in the championship standings.

The Mercedes driver needed to finish ninth or better in Mexico City to secure the title, regardless of what his rivals achieved. He started from fourth on the grid and stayed in contention throughout the race, which was interrupted by a red flag after Valtteri Bottas crashed.

Antonelli eventually overtook Charles Leclerc on lap 48 to take third place. With Verstappen and Hamilton in front of him, the Italian was more focused on securing the result he needed rather than taking unnecessary risks. He held on for third place to complete the final step towards the championship, already shaped by his performances throughout the season.

“It’s a day I’ll remember forever,” Antonelli said after the race. “Thank you to my team, my family and everyone who supports me. It’s getting real, I’m going to enjoy every bit of it.”

He also credited Mercedes for providing him with a competitive car and the consistency needed to retain his title.

“We had such a strong car and we were so consistent, I knew we had a chance. I’m glad we could finish it,” he added.

VERSTAPPEN WINS, HAMILTON FIGHTS BACK

While Antonelli celebrated the championship, Verstappen and Hamilton had their own battle to establish themselves at the front of the field.

Verstappen crossed the finish line in 2:20:28.772, beating Hamilton by just 0.799 seconds to take the win. The result continued a strong run for the Dutchman, who has now won three of his last four grands prix.

Verstappen admitted the race was not easy despite getting the result he wanted.

“I had a very good first round,” he said. “We had a good strategy, I think we lacked a bit of pace but we held on.

The Red Bull driver also acknowledged the pressure of keeping Hamilton behind him in the closing stages.

“It was tough. I was sweating at the end to keep Lewis,” he added.

Despite missing out on the win, Hamilton finished second, with the pair less than a second apart at the checkered flag. Their battle provided a competitive backdrop to a race that ultimately belonged to Antonelli for a much greater reason.

Verstappen was also quick to acknowledge the extent of the Italian’s achievements, especially given his age.

“It’s unbelievable the season he (Antonelli) had and to do it at such an age… I’m sure it’s a very emotional day for him and I’m very proud of him,” Verstappen said.

Antonelli, meanwhile, was still trying to take what he had achieved after the race.

“I wouldn’t be here without them, without Mercedes and my family,” he said. “It’s a special moment that will live forever. I can’t talk, I’m trying to process what just happened.”

The young champion also reflected on sharing the podium with two drivers whose careers helped define modern Formula 1.

“It’s been an incredible season, sharing this podium with Max and Lewis is really incredible. I’m looking forward to more battles in the future,” he added.

MERCEDES STRENGTHENS MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP

Antonelli’s championship triumph also capped a strong campaign for Mercedes in the constructors’ standings. The team moved to 630 points and built a 126-point lead over Ferrari with four races remaining.

In the Drivers’ Championship, Verstappen’s victory moved him into second place with 261 points, two points ahead of Hamilton, who had 259. With Antonelli clinching the title, the battle between the two established champions for second place became the main contest remaining in the standings.

For Antonelli, however, the celebrations in Mexico City offered a moment to savor. After a season that brought nine wins, 16 podiums and a record championship, he was welcomed to Formula 1’s most exclusive club by two of its biggest modern stars.

The sight of Hamilton and Verstappen hoisting the young Italian on their shoulders was a fitting end to the race, bringing together the sport’s recent past and present to celebrate its newest world champion.

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