History in Formula 1: Kimi Antonelli Becomes the Youngest World Champion Ever

In depth

Italian racing driver Kimi Antonelli won the Formula 1 world championship at 20 years and 68 days old, after finishing third in the Mexico Grand Prix with four races left in the season. The young Mercedes driver broke the record of Sebastian Vettel and returned Italy to the top of the sport for the first time since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Antonelli began leading the driver standings from the second race of the season, and delivered a historic achievement in only his second year in the series.

After the race, former champions Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton lifted Antonelli onto the podium, while his teammate responded with frustration to the result. According to Ynet, the driver's parents still manage his money and set his budget, a few days after he received a driving license before his debut race. According to Bizportal, Antonelli's base salary is estimated at less than 4 million euros a year, but including bonuses it is expected to reach about 10 to 12 million euros, and the team is preparing to update his contract.