Kimi Antonelli becomes F1's youngest world champion in Mexico City

Kimi Antonelli has become Formula One's youngest world champion after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver sealed the drivers' championship with four races still remaining this season.

At 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli breaks the previous record held by Germany's Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days when he won his first title in 2010. He is also the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Max Verstappen won the dramatic race for Red Bull, with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton finishing second after starting from pole. Antonelli passed Charles Leclerc for third around lap 48 and held on to secure the points he needed. The race was red-flagged after Valtteri Bottas crashed heavily, but the Finnish driver was released from the medical centre after checks.

Antonelli now has 380 points from 17 races, including nine wins and 16 podium finishes. Verstappen moved up to second on 261 points, two ahead of Hamilton, while Mercedes lead the constructors' standings with 630 points to Ferrari's 504.

"It's a day I will remember forever," Antonelli said after the race. "Thank you to my team, my family and everyone who supports me. It's starting to feel real now; I'm going to enjoy every bit."

Antonelli also confirmed he will keep his number 12 for next season instead of taking the traditional number 1, saying he wants to stay grounded. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised the Italian's humility and integrity, calling him a role model for young drivers.

The F1 season continues in Brazil next weekend, where Mercedes could clinch the constructors' title.