Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has paid tribute to Andrea Kimi Antonelli after the Mercedes driver became the youngest world champion in F1 history, ending Italy’s 73-year wait for another drivers’ title. The 20-year-old’s triumph at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix made him the first Italian Formula 1 world champion since Alberto Ascari secured his second championship with Ferrari in 1953.
Antonelli’s historic achievement has sparked celebrations across Italy and prompted congratulations from leading figures in Formula 1. Among them is Stefano Domenicali, who expressed immense national pride while praising the young driver’s exceptional talent, determination and potential to inspire future generations.
Stefano Domenicali celebrates Kimi Antonelli’s historic F1 world championship
The victory at the Mexican Grand Prix has returned Italy to the pinnacle of Formula 1 after more than seven decades. For a country with such a deep connection to motorsport, the emergence of a new Italian world champion represents a particularly significant moment.
Domenicali, himself Italian, marked the occasion with an emotional message recognising both the sporting achievement and its symbolic importance. The Formula 1 CEO highlighted the extraordinary nature of Antonelli’s success, which has ended a wait dating back to Alberto Ascari’s 1953 championship with Ferrari.
“Today, Kimi Antonelli has made history. Becoming the youngest Formula 1 World Champion is an extraordinary achievement, earned through exceptional talent, courage and determination. It is a source of immense pride for me to see Kimi become the first Italian Formula 1 World Champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Our country has waited 73 years for this moment, and today an entire nation is celebrating one of its own reaching the absolute pinnacle of our sport.”
The achievement completes an extraordinary championship campaign for the Mercedes youngster, who had already moved closer to the title following his crucial victory at the United States Grand Prix. His success in Mexico has now secured his place in Formula 1 history alongside the sport’s greatest champions.
Italy celebrates first F1 world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953
The 73-year wait is central to the significance of Antonelli’s achievement, and Domenicali was particularly keen to emphasise the emotional importance of the occasion. The championship is not simply the culmination of an exceptional season for the 20-year-old, but also the return of an Italian driver to the Formula 1 world champions’ list.
Alberto Ascari had been the last Italian to claim the title, securing the 1953 championship while driving for Ferrari. More than seven decades later, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has brought the Italian flag back to the top of the drivers’ championship standings, creating a moment that will remain in the collective memory of the country’s Formula 1 supporters.
The young Mercedes driver’s rise has already generated considerable enthusiasm in Italy, with his ninth Formula 1 victory in Austin providing a boost to Italian television audiences. His championship triumph has now given the country an even greater reason to celebrate.
Domenicali believes Kimi Antonelli has inspired a new generation
Beyond the records and sporting results, Stefano Domenicali believes Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s achievement carries a much broader significance. The Formula 1 CEO highlighted the ability of the young Italian to become a role model for future generations, demonstrating what can be achieved through dedication, confidence and hard work.
For Domenicali, the impact of Antonelli’s championship extends well beyond the title itself. He believes the Mercedes driver’s success can encourage young people around the world to pursue even their most ambitious dreams.
“Greatness is not measured only by records, but also by the generations it is able to inspire. Kimi has captured the imagination of millions of fans around the world, showing young people that there are no limits to what can be achieved with dedication, self-belief and hard work. In every corner of the globe, the boys and girls watching him today will see in Kimi living proof that even the biggest dreams can become reality.”
With his first world championship secured, Antonelli has therefore taken on an even greater role within Formula 1. His journey, built on talent and determination, has culminated in a landmark achievement that could inspire others who dream of one day reaching the highest level of motorsport.
His rapid progression has been evident throughout the season, including the important contribution of race engineer Peter Bonnington to his Austin victory. Together with Mercedes, Antonelli has transformed his potential into a world championship at just 20 years of age.
Stefano Domenicali predicts an extraordinary future for Kimi Antonelli
Stefano Domenicali also looked beyond the celebrations in Mexico City, expressing his conviction that the championship could represent only the opening chapter of a career destined to leave a lasting mark on Formula 1.
The Italian believes Antonelli has already established himself among the sport’s most significant figures, while possessing the potential to build an even greater legacy in the years ahead.
“From today, his name joins those of the legends of our sport. A new chapter in Formula 1 history has been written, and I firmly believe this is only the beginning of an extraordinary legacy.
Congratulations to Kimi, Mercedes and his family on this incredible achievement. The entire Formula 1 community is proud to celebrate this special moment with them.”
For Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the Mexican Grand Prix has delivered more than his first world championship. It has ended a 73-year wait for Italy, established a new record as Formula 1’s youngest champion and created a moment of immense national pride.
As Domenicali’s tribute makes clear, the significance of the achievement extends beyond the 2026 championship. The Mercedes driver has already made history, and Formula 1’s CEO believes the foundations have been laid for a remarkable career.
More news about Kimi Antonelli and Formula 1
- George Russell admits 50 difficult laps as Kimi Antonelli dominates at Austin
- Toto Wolff explains George Russell’s struggles against Kimi Antonelli
- Ferrari SF-26 loses 25 km/h to Mercedes W17 in Austin battle between Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc
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