Kimi Antonelli becomes third Italian to win F1 World Driver’s Championship

Kimi Antonelli is the first Italian to win the WDC in 73 years. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Kimi Antonelli’s race at the 2026 Mexico Grand Prix paves the way for the 20-year-old to enter a short list of Italian drivers to win the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship. So far, only two Italians had topped the standings and Kimi Antonelli is not only the third but also is the youngest amongst the Italian winners. 

Giuseppe Farina clinched the title during the inaugural edition of Formula 1 in 1950, while driving for Alfa Romeo. He remains the only driver to win the championship in his first season.

Ferrari’s Alberto Ascari won both the 1952 and 1953 Formula One titles, making him the second Italian to win the Championship. He was also the first driver to win back-to-back titles in the sport.

This makes Kimi Antonelli the first Italian winner in 73 years.