Andrea Kimi Antonelli sits in his Mercedes F1 car cockpit during a garage seat fit
A then 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli prepares for the second race of the 2026 season – the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on 15 March.Photograph: Sam Bloxham/LAT Images
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Antonelli leads three F1 cars racing around a curved track corner
Kimi Antonelli, leading from pole, navigates a bend at the Shanghai International Circuit.Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images
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Kimi Antonelli holds flags and smiles, sprayed with champagne after winning in China
An overjoyed Antonelli celebrates after winning his first grand prix in China.Photograph: Jakub Porzycki/Reuters
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Fans hold a large cardboard cutout of Kimi Antonelli’s signed face
A fan of Antonelli shows her support before the next race at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. Photograph: Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images
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Kimi Antonelli crosses the finishing line as a chequered flag waves
Antonelli takes the chequered flag at Suzuka to become the youngest driver to lead the F1 championship.Photograph: Franck Robichon/EPA
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Kimi Antonelli, in helmet and gloves, raises an arm greeting his Mercedes team over a barrier
Antonelli runs to celebrate with his Mercedes team after victory in Japan. Photograph: Andy Hone/LAT Images
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Kimi Antonelli laughs while riding a mini kart in the paddock
Arriving for practice in style at the Miami International Autodrome. Photograph: Héctor Vivas/Formula 1/Getty Images
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Antonelli (bottom right) vies for position with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May 2026.
Antonelli (bottom right) vies for position with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during the Miami Grand Prix in May.Photograph: Cristóbal Herrera/EPA
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Antonelli is congratulated by fans in the crowd after winning in Miami
Antonelli produced a gutsy performance in Miami to extend his championship lead to 20 points.Photograph: Peter Fox/Getty Images
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Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes kicks up dirt and dust after driving off the track at the Canadian Grand Prix
Driving off the track during the sprint race before the Canadian Grand Prix.Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA
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Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 car speeds past a blurred crowd, motion blur emphasising its speed, Canadian Grand Prix, 24 May 2026
In the Mercedes AMG Petronas during the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in May.Photograph: James Sutton/Formula 1/Getty Images
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Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton embrace face to face after the race in Montreal
Antonelli beat Lewis Hamilton into second place in Montreal after race leader and teammate George Russell was forced to retire.Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images
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Kimi Antonelli driving during the Monaco Grand Prix on 7 June 2026
In action during the Monaco Grand Prix in June.Photograph: Andrej Isaković/AFP/Getty Images
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Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 car speeds past a blurred crowd at Silverstone
Antonelli finished a disappointing 16th at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, but still led the standings by 25 points after the race. Photograph: Paulo Maria/DPPI/Shutterstock
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Kimi Antonelli climbs into his car before qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix
Antonelli focuses before the qualifying session of the Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps track.Photograph: Sarah Meyssonnier/ Reuters
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Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 car speeds round a curve at Spa-Francorchamps, with grandstands behind
Heading for Eau Rouge turn during the Belgian Grand Prix in July. Photograph: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto/Getty Images
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Kimi Antonelli kisses the trophy at Spa-Francorchamps
Back to winning ways, Antonelli kisses the trophy at Spa-Francorchamps.Photograph: Jakub Porzycki/Reuters
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Antonelli’s F1 car leads Russell and Verstappen around a curve at Monza, 6 September 2026
Antonelli leads teammate Russell and Max Verstappen during his home race at Monza in Italy in September.Photograph: Peter Fox/Getty Images
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Confetti and Italian-coloured smoke fill the air as crowds celebrate at Monza’s podium
Antonelli held off Russell to end Italy’s 60-year wait for a home win at Monza.Photograph: Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images
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Kimi Antonelli is lifted above a cheering crowd holding phones and caps after winning at Monza
Crowd surfing with the jubilant Italian fans.Photograph: Xavi Bonilla/DPPI/Shutterstock
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Antonelli’s Mercedes leads Sainz’s Williams around a curved track lined with packed grandstands, Spanish Grand Prix at Madring, 13 September 2026
Kimi Antonelli leads Carlos Sainz during the Spanish Grand Prix at Madring in September.Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images
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Kimi Antonelli, arms outstretched, smiles while celebrating with champagne spray
Antonelli became the first driver to win at the much-criticised new circuit.Photograph: David Davies/PA
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F1 cars driven by Antonelli and Verstappen race past photographers at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Leading Max Verstappen in the rain at the Bahrain Grand Prix, held at Sepang in Malaysia. Antonelli eventually came second to Verstappen, but moved within touching distance of the championship.Photograph: Alberto Vimercati/DPPI/Shutterstock
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Kimi Antonelli pours champagne over his head celebrating amid fireworks after the race in Singapore on 11 October.
Antonelli finished third in Singapore on 11 October to give himself a mathematical chance of clinching the title in the next race. Photograph: DPPI/Shutterstock
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Aerial view of Kimi Antonelli’s F1 car on the Circuit of the Americas track
Antonelli went into the US Grand Prix knowing he would be world champion if he won, George Russell finished ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton was fifth or lower.Photograph: Xavi Bonilla/DPPI/Shutterstock
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Kimi Antonelli sprays champagne, surrounded by photographers and fans celebrating his race win
The Italian ace upheld his part of the deal by triumphing in the Lone Star State – but results behind him postponed his title celebration.Photograph: Antoine Lapeyre/Reveries Agency/ABACA/Shutterstock
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On the cusp of history: Antonelli knew he was all but certain to claim the title in Mexico.
On the cusp of history: Antonelli knew he was all but certain to claim the title in Mexico.Photograph: Florent Gooden/DPPI/Shutterstock
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Kimi Antonelli is hoisted aloft after coming third and sealing the title in Mexico.
Antonelli is hoisted aloft after coming third and sealing the title.Photograph: Steven Tee/LAT Images
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Verstappen and Hamilton lift Antonelli onto their shoulders celebrating on the podium.
Verstappen and Hamilton lift Antonelli onto their shoulders.Photograph: Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters
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