Andrea Kimi Antonelli could barely contain his emotions after becoming the 2026 Formula 1 world champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix, breaking down in tears as he celebrated a historic achievement for Mercedes and Italian motorsport. The young Italian admitted he had been crying so heavily during the final lap that he was struggling to see the track, before describing his maiden championship as a new starting point in his ambition to keep winning.
The achievement brings an end to Italy’s 73-year wait for another Formula 1 world champion, a drought stretching back to 1953, when Alberto Ascari secured the country’s previous drivers’ title. For Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the magnitude of what he had accomplished took several minutes to sink in, as a season of remarkable performances culminated in the greatest moment of his career so far.
Kimi Antonelli breaks down after winning the 2026 F1 world championship
There were tears inside his helmet as he crossed the finish line, followed by emotional embraces with his Mercedes team and the family who have supported him throughout his career. Wrapped in the Italian flag and wearing his familiar smile, Andrea Kimi Antonelli was finally able to celebrate becoming Formula 1 world champion for the first time.
His triumph followed a remarkable championship campaign, including a crucial victory at the United States Grand Prix that had brought him closer to the title. But even after securing the championship in Mexico, the Mercedes driver initially struggled to comprehend the significance of the moment.
“We did it. But without Mercedes and my family, I wouldn’t be here. I’m very grateful to them, and this moment will stay with me forever. I’m still trying to understand what has happened,” Andrea Kimi Antonelli said shortly after removing his helmet.
He also reflected on the significance of sharing the podium with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
“It’s been a special season, and sharing this podium with Max and Lewis is something special.”
The Italian admitted that the pressure had been greater than usual during the decisive weekend, although the outcome left him overwhelmed with happiness.
“I felt more tension this weekend, but I’m incredibly happy. We did it, and now we can look ahead to the remaining races of the season.”
Antonelli reflects on historic F1 title during emotional podium celebrations
Following a podium celebration dedicated entirely to his newly secured world championship, Andrea Kimi Antonelli spoke again, this time to Nico Rosberg during an interview broadcast around the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
With the reality of his achievement gradually sinking in, the Italian took the opportunity to thank the people who had helped him reach the pinnacle of Formula 1.
“It’s a day I’ll remember forever. Thank you to the team, my family, my friends and all of you who support this sport. I’m grateful, thank you so much. Now the title is starting to feel real, and I’m going to enjoy every second.”
When asked when he had first realised that winning the world championship was a realistic possibility, Andrea Kimi Antonelli pointed to the competitiveness of Mercedes and the consistency the team had maintained throughout the season.
“When did I realise I could win the title? I have to say, very early on. We had an incredibly strong car, and we were very consistent and fast. I thought we had a great chance, and I’m happy we managed to make it happen.”
The newly crowned world champion then delivered a message that captured the significance of his achievement for Italian motorsport.
“We did it. We’ll keep pushing to take Italy to the top.”
The achievement also underlined how far the Mercedes driver had progressed during the season, following a campaign that included his ninth Formula 1 victory in Austin and growing interest in his success among Italian fans.
Toto Wolff moved to tears as Mercedes celebrates Antonelli’s championship
While Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrated on the podium, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was equally emotional as he spoke to Sky beneath the podium. The Austrian had recognised the Italian driver’s potential years earlier, taking him under his wing and supporting his development towards Formula 1.
His faith had also been tested during the previous season, when he chose to continue backing Andrea Kimi Antonelli despite a difficult campaign. That decision was now being rewarded with the world championship, providing a moment of particular satisfaction for the Mercedes boss.
“I remember the difficult moments from last year… He’s been incredibly strong,” Toto Wolff said.
The Mercedes team principal then praised not only the Italian’s driving ability but also the personal qualities that had impressed him throughout their time working together.
“Kimi has been incredible. He has talent, intelligence, personality, character. He’s a young man with integrity and humility. For me, this really is a new superstar.”
The comments reflected the admiration Toto Wolff has shown for his young driver, whose development has been closely associated with Mercedes. During the previous round in Austin, the team principal had already addressed the contrasting performances of Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, as the Italian continued his impressive championship campaign.
Antonelli reveals he could barely see the track through his tears
The emotion continued when Andrea Kimi Antonelli arrived in the media zone for another interview with Sky Sport. Once again, he struggled to hold back tears as he attempted to put his historic achievement into words.
“We did it. That’s all I’m going to say: we did it,” the new world champion began, before being interrupted by tears and then by congratulations from Lando Norris, the driver whose title he had just inherited.
After composing himself, Andrea Kimi Antonelli reflected on the importance of sharing the occasion with his closest friends and family, while making it clear that he considered the championship the beginning of another challenge rather than the end of his ambitions.
“It’s incredible to be here at this moment, to have my family and friends here with me. But I’m really happy about all of this. I don’t know what to say. I’m going to enjoy the moment, enjoy the end of the season, and this is a new starting point to build again and try to keep winning.”
The Mercedes driver then revealed just how emotional the final moments of the Mexican Grand Prix had been, admitting that his tears had affected his vision even before reaching the chequered flag.
“Already on the last lap, I eased off. I couldn’t see the track properly because I was crying. I’m really happy because it’s been an incredible championship. We’ll try to enjoy the end of the season, keep winning, and then we’ll think about next season, about 2027.”
For Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the 2026 Formula 1 world championship represents both the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition and the beginning of a new chapter. Having ended Italy’s 73-year wait for another drivers’ title, the Mercedes star now has his sights set on building upon that success, with further victories and the 2027 season already in his thoughts.
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