Antonelli claims youngest F1 title as Ferrari cedes lead to Red Bull in Mexico

Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion in history on Sunday at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. The 20-year-old driver secured his first title in a race that featured mechanical failures and strategic errors from multiple teams. While Antonelli claimed the crown, the victory at the circuit went to Red Bull, marking another instance where Ferrari failed to convert a race lead into a win this season.

The high altitude of the venue, situated 7,350 feet above sea level, created specific technical challenges for all 20 cars. The thin air reduced engine power and limited the amount of downforce generated by the wings, a setup typically reserved for high-speed tracks like Monza. Teams also faced issues with cooling systems due to reduced airflow across radiators. The track itself is characterized by a low-grip surface and a layout that includes a long straight into the first turn and a section that passes through a stadium built in the 1990s.

Friday's first practice session served as a test for 10 rookie drivers who replaced series regulars. Each team is required to run a young or test driver in both of their cars at least twice per season. Cadillac Racing used the session to evaluate Colton Herta, an American IndyCar star seeking a Formula 1 super license. The license requires 40 points accumulated over three years. Herta's recent results in IndyCar, including 10th place in 2023, second in 2024, and seventh in 2025, were insufficient to meet that threshold on their own.

To bridge the points gap, Herta entered the Formula 2 championship this year. The move allowed him to learn the circuits while attempting to finish well enough to earn the remaining credits needed for his license. During the race in Mexico, the grid saw several unusual events beyond the championship clinch. The Haas team made a last-minute driver change, and both Aston Martin cars retired in synchronization. Additionally, Cadillac Racing suffered a mechanical failure that resulted in wheels detaching from the car.

The race dynamics were affected by the lack of slipstream at the high altitude, making overtaking more difficult than at other venues. Ferrari started the race in a position to win but ended up giving the victory to Red Bull. This outcome continued a pattern for the Italian team this season where leads were surrendered to rivals. Antonelli's title win capped a weekend that included multiple retirements and strategic shifts, contrasting with early expectations of a routine race.

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez remains a unique fixture on the calendar due to its elevation. The combination of flat track geometry and atmospheric conditions forces teams to adjust their car setups significantly from other circuits. The event concluded with Antonelli as champion, Herta continuing his pursuit of a super license, and several teams dealing with the physical demands of the high-altitude environment.