‘This moment will live forever’ – Antonelli shares touching reaction to ‘incredible’ World Championship victory in Mexico City

Kimi Antonelli has reacted to winning his maiden World Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with the Italian hiding none of his emotions as he thanked those around him for an “incredible season”.

Although it was Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who won the race ahead of Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli’s P3 finish earned him more than enough points to clinch the title, joining the likes of the Ferrari driver, Graham Hill, and Denny Hulme in doing so at this circuit.

After starting from fourth on the grid, the 20-year-old improved to the top three via a bold overtake on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, which allowed him to celebrate his historic victory on the podium after embracing his family and Mercedes team members.

“We did it,” Antonelli said after the race. “You know, without them, I wouldn’t be here – without Mercedes, without my family. So I’m very grateful for this moment, and it’s one that will live forever. I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened.

“It’s been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible. And yeah, looking forward to some more battles in the future.

“This weekend I did feel a bit more tense, but I’m just so happy, and happy that we got it done, and now we can enjoy the rest of the season.”

Antonelli has not only become the sport’s youngest-ever World Champion, but also Italy’s first in 73 years after he netted 380 points over 19 rounds, which those behind him are mathematically unable to surpass in the season’s remaining events.

Reflecting further on his immense achievement, he added: “[It’s] a moment that means so much. It’s a day I will remember forever. Thank you so much to my team, my family, my friends, and all of you guys that support me and the sport. I’m just so grateful.

“Very early on, we had such a strong car, and we were very consistent and put in the performance. I thought that we could have had a shot this year, and I’m really happy that we managed to clinch it all.

“It’s starting to get real, and I’m going to enjoy every bit of it. I mean, I’m going to go all out, right? I’m going to go all out with my family, friends, and the team. And we’re just going to enjoy it all the way, because this is a very special moment, one that we’ll remember forever.”