Melita Jose
Much occurred at the recent Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1st, with Max Verstappen securing a win for Red Bull Racing, finishing first at the Grand Prix with 25 points.
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton followed closely behind in second place with 18 points, and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli coming up third with 15 points. Despite this, with no less than four races remaining for the season, Antonelli claimed the 2026 World Championship, setting a record by becoming the youngest to do so at just 20 years old. He overtook Sebastian Vettel’s 16-year title from the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he became the youngest World Champion aged 23.
Antonelli’s historic achievements
The race took place at the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, named after Mexican racing legends, Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez.
Starting fourth on the grid, Antonelli needed to finish ninth or higher to guarantee himself the championship title. Throughout the chaotic 71-lap race, featuring multiple Safety Car periods, and a red flag, Antonelli found himself battling for a podium position.
However, in an impressive overtake on Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, he came home in third place. This led Antonelli to become the first Italian World Champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Verstappen’s crowned victor
Whilst Antonelli celebrated his championship, Verstappen performed brilliantly, leading to his 74th Grand Prix win. Starting fifth going into the race, and capitalising on a fierce opening lap between both Ferrari teammates, Hamilton and Leclerc. Leclerc was later handed a five-second penalty for cutting the track, which helped further improve Verstappen’s chances.
Despite facing intense pressure from Hamilton after taking the lead during the pit-stop phase, Verstappen triumphed just 0.799 seconds ahead of the Ferrari driver who secured his first podium for Ferrari, whilst Leclerc fell short of the podium by 3 points, finishing fourth.
Racing Tensions
Yet, the race proved to be far from straightforward. Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas suffered a heavy crash, resulting in a red flag and a prolonged interruption. A later collision involving McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad once again brought out the Safety Car.
Mercedes’ George Russel also endured a tricky afternoon, after losing positions at the start, he collided with Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar and received a 10 second penalty, eventually finishing sixth. Ferrari’s internal disagreement was another major talking point, with the crash between Hamilton and Leclerc potentially costing the team a race victory.
There was also significant drama away from the track, as Haas unexpectedly replaced Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, for the remainder of the weekend. The decision appeared to follow severe tensions between Ocon and the team during Friday’s practice session, with many speculating that this could be the end to Ocon’s professional F1 career, with no spots currently open on other teams. This adds further controversy to an already eventful GP weekend.
Start of a Mercedes Era?
Overall, it’s looking like a new Mercedes, with Antonelli’s championship representing a remarkable achievement for the team. In merely his second Formula 1 season, he has demonstrated extraordinary talent, consistency and maturity. Team principal Toto Wolff was seen warmly embracing Antonelli after the win, and has praised the Italian’s development, highlighting his resilience throughout the season.
Ultimately, the Mexico City Grand Prix will be remembered for Antonelli’s momentous win. Although Verstappen took the chequered flag first, Antonelli emerged as the greatest winner of the day, with both sharing a great moment which they will be unlikely to forget. Antonelli has rewritten the history books, potentially beginning a new age for Formula 1.