How did Kimi Antonelli become Formula One's youngest ever world champion?

Kimi Antonelli, 20, clinched the Formula One title at the Mexican Grand Prix by finishing third behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, becoming the sport's youngest champion and the first Italian champion in more than 70 years. The BBC's Richard Forrest said Mercedes had backed him for 15 years since karting. After a difficult first season replacing Hamilton, he won nine races this year in a new car built to new regulations.

• Forrest said the new car seemed to suit Antonelli's style against teammate George Russell.
• Forrest credited Liberty Media and Netflix's Drive to Survive with drawing a younger audience that Antonelli appeals to.

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Global News Podcast (2026-11-02). Read the whole episode summary →

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