Antonelli gives Italy its first F1 champion in 73 years

Antonelli clinched the title by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with four races remaining in the season. Max Verstappen won the race. At 20, the Mercedes driver became Formula One’s youngest-ever world champion. He is the first Italian to win the championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

The result prompted celebrations in and around Casalecchio, near Bologna, where hundreds gathered at a theater to watch the race. Friends, family and neighbors were preparing to welcome Antonelli home when his racing schedule allows. In San Marino, where he lives, fans also watched together at a local pub.

Italy’s newspapers put Antonelli on their front pages, and athletes including tennis player Jannik Sinner, motorcycling champion Valentino Rossi and swimmer Federica Pellegrini congratulated him. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the title as a source of national pride, highlighting Antonelli’s talent and determination.

Bologna’s mayor, Matteo Lepore, announced that Antonelli is to be awarded the city’s Nettuno d’Oro, its highest civic honor. Casalecchio Mayor Matteo Ruggeri said local residents remembered Antonelli growing up in the area and called him “one of us.”

Antonelli drives for Mercedes, rather than Ferrari, the Italian marque closely associated with the country’s motor-racing fans. He shared the Mexico podium with Verstappen and Hamilton, who won the world title seven times before Antonelli took his Mercedes seat.