FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has delivered an emotional message to Andrea Kimi Antonelli following his historic 2026 Formula 1 world championship triumph at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver received heartfelt congratulations from the head of motorsport’s governing body, who described him as a “phenomenon” before making one important request: never change.
As congratulations continue to arrive from around the world, Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s tribute stands out for its personal nature. Rather than focusing exclusively on Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable driving achievements, the FIA president praised his ability to cope with pressure, his attitude during difficult moments and the character he hopes the young Italian will retain throughout his career.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem congratulates Kimi Antonelli on historic F1 title
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s championship victory in Mexico represents a historic moment for Italian motorsport. The Mercedes driver has ended his country’s 73-year wait for another Formula 1 world champion, becoming the first Italian to secure the Drivers’ Championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
At just 20 years old, the Bologna-born driver has also become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. His achievement is particularly remarkable given that he has secured the title in only his second season competing at the highest level of motorsport.
According to the historical comparison highlighted in the celebrations, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the third driver to win the championship in his second Formula 1 season, following Juan Manuel Fangio and Jacques Villeneuve.
The significance of the achievement has prompted widespread recognition, including congratulations from Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali as Italy celebrates the end of its long championship drought.
One of the most meaningful messages came from Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the 64-year-old Emirati former rally driver who has served as FIA president since 2021. Sharing his thoughts on social media, he expressed his emotion at the Mercedes youngster’s success and singled out the qualities that have impressed him throughout the Italian’s rise.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem calls Kimi Antonelli a phenomenon
For Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s greatest strengths extend beyond his speed behind the wheel. The FIA president has been particularly impressed by the young champion’s composure and his ability to work effectively in demanding circumstances without complaining.
“I’m emotional. Congratulations, Kimi,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem said.
“One thing I’ve noticed about you is your ability to work not only under pressure, but also in stressful conditions. You never complain. From the bottom of my heart, congratulations. You’re a phenomenon.”
The message reflected the admiration that Andrea Kimi Antonelli has earned throughout his championship-winning campaign. His performances for Mercedes have been accompanied by an attitude that the FIA president clearly considers just as important as his results.
That combination of talent and personality has also been recognised by other prominent figures in Formula 1, including Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who praised Andrea Kimi Antonelli after his world championship victory.
FIA president urges Kimi Antonelli to never change after F1 success
Although Mohammed Ben Sulayem was delighted by the new world champion’s achievement, he also wanted to offer a personal piece of advice. The FIA president urged Andrea Kimi Antonelli not to allow his newfound success to change his personality or the attitude he has demonstrated since entering Formula 1.
“But at the same time, I want to ask you one thing: never change. Stay as you are, Kimi. The Kimi whose first super licence I signed last year, and the Kimi of today. Make sure you always remain the same.”
The reference to Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s first FIA super licence carried particular significance. Mohammed Ben Sulayem recalled the young driver’s arrival in Formula 1 and the qualities that had impressed him before the Italian became a world champion.
For the FIA president, the challenge is now to preserve those qualities as Andrea Kimi Antonelli adjusts to his new status at the top of the sport. His message was therefore as much about the Mercedes driver’s future as it was about celebrating his achievement in Mexico.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem concluded by emphasising that the happiness surrounding the Italian’s success was shared by many people, before extending his best wishes to the new champion and those closest to him.
“Really, I’m not the only one who’s happy. A lot of people are happy. Thank you for making all of this possible. My best wishes to you, your family and your team.”
The FIA president’s comments add another personal tribute to the celebrations following Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable championship victory. Having already described his maiden Formula 1 title as a new starting point, the Mercedes driver now enters the next stage of his career with a clear message from the sport’s governing body: continue achieving success, but remain the same person.
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