Kimi leaves F1 greats singing his praises

MEXICO CITY: Kimi Antonelli sparked affectionate tributes from all quarters of the Formula One paddock on Sunday after becoming the sport's youngest world champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old Italian finished third for Mercedes behind Red Bull's four-time champion Max Verstappen and Ferrari's seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton – who then hoisted him aloft as a carnival of celebrations began.

"It's a very special day," said Antonelli's esteemed race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington, who has worked with seven-time champion Michael Schumacher and Hamilton and regards the new champion as another generational talent.

"A young man has broken the record for the youngest world champion. It is the first of many, I reckon. I am just super happy for him, stoked.

"I feel privileged to work with him and to put up with his pranks and tricks, including the water pistols and the rest. It's him all over. This is just the first chapter."

His father Marco Antonelli, who runs his own racing team, said: "This is the best thank you that Kimi can give to Mercedes for believing in him. It's unbelievable. I will realise the next day what Kimi has done."

Hamilton, who tipped Antonelli to be his Mercedes successor when he left for Ferrari in 2025, said: "Huge congratulations to Kimi and Mercedes. It's so great to see them all up here celebrating.

"The youngest world champion ever is pretty phenomenal, and I'm so very grateful to be in this race and to witness it. He has had a great season, and he has handled everything so well with so much grace and humility."

Verstappen added: "It's incredible what a season he has had. To do this at such an age is really impressive, and it is amazing to see the whole team celebrating with him.

"His family is here as well, so I'm sure this is a very emotional day for him, and I'm very proud of him."

Outgoing world champion Lando Norris of McLaren said: "Just a massive congrats to him. I mean he deserves it. He has been insane this year. That's an understatement.

"Congrats to him, especially at his age. Twenty is incredibly impressive." — AFP