Formula One’s leading drivers have been unstinting in their praise for the new champion, Kimi Antonelli, after the Italian driver took his debut title with third place at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Antonelli became the youngest world champion at 20 years old in Mexico, sharing a podium with race winner Max Verstappen and second-placed Lewis Hamilton. He has taken the title in only his second year in the sport after a remarkable season including nine wins.
“It’s a special moment,” said Antonelli. “One that we’ll remember for ever.” While his race engineer, Peter Bonnington, suggested this may well be the first of many. “It’s a pleasure to be on the journey with you, but it’s just the first chapter,” he said.
The defending champion, Lando Norris, led what were fulsome tributes to the driver who had taken his crown, emphasising that he felt Antonelli had been exceptional.
“He’s done an insane job. I feel like people are not giving him enough credit for what he’s achieved this year,” said Norris. “He’s beaten the teammate that’s been in the sport for four times longer than him. Who was also very good and who took the battle to Lewis Hamilton.”
His achievement was perhaps not appreciated, suggested Norris, because the Italian had been so good he had made it look easy.
“[Yes] 100% he’s made it look like an easy year. They say he’s not had much competition or anything, but that’s because he slapped his competition,” he added. “I think he’s done an unbelievable job. Incredible, incredible job.”
Verstappen and Hamilton lifted Antonelli on to their shoulders on the podium to accept the roaring approval of the crowd. The four-time and seven-time champions respectively were generous in their praise too.
“It’s incredible, what a season [Kimi] had,” Verstappen said. “To do that at such an age is really impressive. I’m sure this is a very emotional day with him.”
Hamilton said: “A huge congratulations to Kimi and the Mercedes team, they’re all here celebrating his success. I’m so grateful to be in the race to witness it.”
