Kimi Antonelli became the youngest world champion in Formula One history on Sunday at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver clinched the title at 20 years and 68 days old after finishing third in a red-flagged and restarted race won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
The Italian driver, who turned 20 on August 25, is the first Italian champion since 1953. He broke the previous record held by Germany's Sebastian Vettel, who became the youngest champion at 23 years and 134 days when he took his first of four titles with Red Bull in 2010.
A tearful Antonelli explained that he will not have the number one on his car next year out of superstition and humility. Having once entered the Formula 1 paddock hidden in a stack of tires, Antonelli has continued to do things his own way.