Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has revealed that a heartfelt video message from four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel was his personal favourite after securing the 2026 Formula 1 world title at just 20 years old. Formula 1 reported that Antonelli claimed the championship in his sophomore season following a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The Record-Breaking Title Run in Mexico
Antonelli secured the 2026 world championship during his sophomore campaign, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Sebastian Vettel to become the youngest champion in the history of the sport. Finishing third at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City was enough to seal the mathematical advantage.
Formula 1 reported that the Italian driver spent the days following the race reflecting on an overwhelming wave of global recognition.
“It’s been an amazing two days, but I still haven’t had enough time to realise and digest what has just happened. Definitely, I’m very happy. It still feels surreal,” Antonelli said on Thursday’s media day in Brazil. “I’ve received so many nice messages, so much support, and I’ve had a lot of videos from my hometown celebrating. The support has been incredible.”
Vettel Offers Career Advice to Antonelli
Among the digital correspondence from rival athletes, Vettel’s direct video contribution carried the most weight for the newly crowned champion. The former Red Bull Racing star, who previously held the record as the youngest titleist, reached out with technical and career longevity advice.
Antonelli noted that while peer greetings arrived from Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris, Vettel’s guidance resonated deeply.
🚨| Sebastian Vettel Shares Wisdom with Kimi Antonelli After Record-Breaking Achievement: — Sebastian Vettel reached out to Kimi Antonelli with heartfelt advice after the young Mercedes driver became the youngest F1 champion, surpassing Vettel's own record. In a personal video… pic.twitter.com/MoZVSFbP4u
“I think the message from Seb was very nice. It was very deep, with a lot of meaning behind it and a lot of advice for the future. So that was very nice,” Antonelli stated. “I also got a lot from other drivers, from Max, Lewis, Charles. Everyone was super nice. Lando was super nice to me as well. So I’m very happy and grateful to see so much respect and support.”
Focus Shifts to the Constructors’ Battle in Brazil
Beyond personal accolades, the German manufacturer still has unfinished business on the track.
| Metric | Kimi Antonelli (2026 Season) |
|---|---|
| Current Age | 20 Years Old |
| F1 Experience | Sophomore Season |
| Championship-Clinching Race | Mexico City Grand Prix |
| Next Target | Sao Paulo Grand Prix / Constructors’ Title |
Antonelli spent the days between Mexico and Brazil recharging, including a visit with the Senna family that provided a stark historical reminder of the weight attached to elite motorsport success in South America.
With the drivers’ trophy secured, the target shifts squarely to sealing the constructors’ crown at a venue the young champion holds in high regard.
“The goal coming here is to win. It’s a track that I love, and the fans are amazing here. So I’m really looking forward to it,” Antonelli remarked.
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