Verstappen wins dramatic Mexico City GP as Antonelli becomes youngest F1 champion

Max Verstappen claimed a dramatic victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, holding off Lewis Hamilton to take the chequered flag at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The Red Bull driver finished just 0.799 seconds ahead of the Ferrari star, while Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third place to secure the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship.

Verstappen started fifth but made an excellent opening lap, taking advantage of a fierce battle between Ferrari team-mates Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The Dutchman moved into contention before taking the lead after Leclerc received a five-second penalty for cutting the track during his fight with Hamilton. Despite sustained pressure from the seven-time world champion in the closing stages, Verstappen held on for his sixth career victory in Mexico City and third win of the 2026 season.

The race was far from straightforward, with a heavy crash involving Valtteri Bottas bringing out the red flag on lap 46. The Cadillac driver hit the barriers after a suspected front-left suspension failure and was taken to the medical centre for precautionary checks. Racing resumed with a standing restart, while a late Safety Car followed a collision between Oscar Piastri and Arvid Lindblad, which ended the Racing Bulls rookie's race. Several post-race penalties also changed the final classification.

Hamilton finished second, with Antonelli taking third for Mercedes. Charles Leclerc was fourth, ahead of Lando Norris and George Russell. Liam Lawson, Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar and Ryo Hirakawa completed the top 10 following the post-race penalties.

However, the biggest story of the weekend belonged to Antonelli. The 20-year-old Italian became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history, securing his maiden title with four rounds remaining. His third-place finish gave him an unassailable advantage over his rivals, making him the first Italian to win the championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Antonelli's achievement marks a remarkable milestone for Mercedes, while Verstappen's victory and Hamilton's second-place finish provided another memorable chapter in an eventful Mexican Grand Prix.