Kimi Antonelli, for the first time ever, is champion of the world. Having come into this race with one hand on the trophy, Antonelli needed just two points to take the title. He did more than enough in qualifying with a fourth-place finish and duly converted it in the race. Calm and composed as he has been virtually all season, Antonelli pulled off a well-timed pass on Charles Leclerc on lap 49. The Mercedes driver did the job asked of him and brought the car home safely in third—more than enough to secure his maiden title.
At 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli has crushed the previous record for the youngest-ever world champion, formerly held by Sebastian Vettel, who won his maiden championship at 23 years and 134 days old. The detractors who doubted his early entry into Formula 1 have just been silenced. Kimi Antonelli now has his place in the history books.
Antonelli’s title success shouldn’t detract from what was a thoroughly absorbing Grand Prix, one that produced action from the very first corner. Lewis Hamilton led away from the pole but was under immediate pressure from his teammate Charles Leclerc. After attempting a bold move round the outside of turn one, Leclerc made a second attempt at turn four.
However, both Ferrari drivers ran off track in the process; Hamilton lost out to Max Verstappen while Leclerc took the lead after taking to the grass. The Monegasque was later deemed to have left the track and gained an advantage and received a five-second penalty. Leclerc later lost the lead to Verstappen after serving the penalty during his pit stop on lap 27. Leclerc ran in second for much of the race until the red flag on lap 46. A turn one lock-up left him with a flat spot, and Leclerc spent the remainder of his race resisting the advances of a charging Lando Norris. Despite a couple of close calls, Leclerc managed to hold on for fourth place. A disappointing result given his initial pace.
The same can’t quite be said of his teammate. Lewis Hamilton, irate after that first lap skirmish, held third until his first stop on lap 28. An impressive middle stint brought him back in contention, and Hamilton even attempted a move round the outside of Verstappen at the restart. After failing to find a way past, Hamilton gave serious chase to the four-time world champion but ultimately had to settle for second—scant consolation after a race he very well could have won.
Max Verstappen took top honours today; a good launch and opportunistic pass on Hamilton brought him into contention, while Leclerc’s penalty gave him the lead. Verstappen weathered multiple safety cars, a red flag, and a last-minute surge from Hamilton to take a hard-earned 74th career victory. A fine return to form after a frustrating weekend last time out in Austin.
Behind the duelling duo of Leclerc and Norris, George Russell had a first-lap collision with Isack Hadjar, that resulted in a ten-second penalty for the Mercedes driver, who eventually secured sixth. With the title race now officially over, Russell will be keen to salvage some pride before the end of the season.
After a disappointing showing in qualifying, Oscar Piastri made a credible recovery in the race. The McLaren driver worked his way into seventh but made contact with Arvid Lindblad on lap 59. The incident forced Lindblad out of the race, though Piastri was not penalised. Franco Colapinto secured his ninth points finish of the season in eighth ahead of Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly. Gabriel Bortoleto secured 11th ahead of Isack Hadjar. Haas’ last-minute sub Ryo Hirakawa finished13th on his F1 debut ahead of Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, Nico Hulkenberg and local hero Sergio Perez.
Lindblad was on course for a points finish before his collision with Piastri, while Ollie Bearman was taken out by Hulkenberg on lap 47, and Valtteri Bottas triggered the red flag due to suspension failure on lap 42. Both Aston Martins retired on lap 5 with technical issues. Having taken a major leap forward in the off-season, Antonelli has been formidable all season long. With his place in the history books now secure, attention turns to the four-way battle for second. Verstappen is now the man in possession, but with Hamilton, Russell and Leclerc in full cry behind him, there’s still plenty to play for in 2026.
