Andrea Kimi Antonelli, an Italian racing driver representing Mercedes, has become the youngest Formula 1 world champion, securing the title at age 20 years and 68 days. He is also the first Italian to win the championship since Alberto Ascari, who won the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in 1952 and 1953, Reuters reported.
Antonelli claimed the championship after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Nov. 1, establishing an unassailable 119-point lead in the drivers’ standings with several races remaining in the season.
The driver also broke the record previously held by Germany’s Sebastian Vettel, who won his first world championship with Red Bull in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days.
The achievement sparked celebrations among Italian racing fans, as the title ended Italy’s 73-year wait for a Formula 1 world champion.
Antonelli became emotional after crossing the finish line and thanked his Mercedes team over the radio. His family was present at the circuit to celebrate the victory.
