Kimi Antonelli says he "couldn't see" through his tears on the final lap of the Mexico City Grand Prix as he was overcome with emotion before becoming Formula 1 world champion for the first time.
Antonelli finished third behind race-winner Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton to lower Sebastian Vettel's record of being F1's youngest world champion by over three years, sealing the title at 20 years and 68 days old.
The Italian was overcome with emotion on team radio and in several post-race interviews, and revealed he was already crying during the closing stages of the race.
"Already the lap before, I think I lost probably two seconds because I was already crying, basically. I couldn't see clearly ahead," said Antonelli.
"I could see two Ferraris somehow with the tears. So, it was very special. A lot of memories went through my mind in that moment, all the memories since karting all the way to here.
"It was a very special final lap, and definitely, when I crossed the line, I let it all out because it was just achieving one of my biggest dreams. It was very special."
Antonelli is just the third Italian driver to win the F1 Drivers' Championship and the first since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
The Mercedes driver was lifted up by Verstappen and Hamilton on the podium with iconic Italian songs 'Nessun Dorma' and 'Sarà, perché ti amo' playing in the background, which Antonelli later revealed made him think about his late grandfather.
"The first song was very emotional for me because it was a song that my grandfather used to listen to always, so it was very special to hear that. I think he would be very proud," said Antonelli as he took a moment to compose himself through the tears in the post-race press conference.
"Oh my God, I've cried way too much today, but it's good. I just got very emotional because of my grandfather."
Antonelli: I will put podium picture with Verstappen-Hamilton in my house
It was somewhat fitting that Antonelli followed home two of F1's greatest drivers in Verstappen and Hamilton to become world champion.
Antonelli replaced Hamilton at Mercedes following the latter's shock move to Ferrari in 2025 and the 20-year-old says it was an "incredible" moment to share the podium with the two multiple world champions.
"It happened in Canada as well this year, earlier in the year, but obviously this is special. I will definitely frame the picture and put it in my house because it's just an incredible moment," he said.
"To see so much respect from two incredible drivers who have done the history of the sport is truly special, and a moment that will live and will always be remembered. So definitely I will frame the picture and put it on the wall of my house so I can see it very well whenever I go in."
Antonelli has been part of Mercedes since he was 12 years old and his father, Marco Antonelli, has been by his side at nearly every race since he made his F1 debut at the start of 2025.
Marco has a rallying team but flew into Mexico on Saturday morning with Kimi's sister to ensure they could watch Kimi become champion.
"It was a big effort for them to come here, and I'm very happy to be able to share and witness this moment altogether because my family has made, and they still do, an incredible amount of sacrifices for me," said Antonelli.
"Especially my dad, he has come to basically all the races this year, despite being very busy with his own work, his own job. So, you know, that has been crucial, to have such a figure.
"He was the one keeping me grounded, especially after very high moments, but as well he was the one that was always there when I was facing a difficult situation, or I wasn't feeling the best ahead of a session or ahead of the race.
"Then, of course, Mercedes, I couldn't thank them enough because, first of all, they were the ones who took the gamble when I was 11, and they were the ones who believed in me all the way, and they still do.
"It's been a massive privilege to be able to, first of all, race for this team. Hopefully we'll have much more success in the upcoming years.
"But as well, it's been a big privilege to work with Bono (Antonelli's race engineer Peter Bonnington) and with all the other guys, all the other boys and girls who always come to the track and do their best, because it's an incredible group, a very unique one and a very united one. And every single one of them has played a massive role in achieving this."
Formula 1 next heads to Brazil for the final leg of the triple header with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime
