Kimi Antonelli was crowned the 2026 Formula One (F1) World Champion at the age of 20, becoming the youngest driver to achieve this feat. He accomplished this during his sophomore year in the sport.
Antonelli received well-deserved appreciation and hype; however, several other stories unfolded during the race. These included Ferrari’s intra-team battle, which cost them a potential victory, and multiple teams suffering DNFs. We cover these and some other stories in The Sports Side’s Biggest Hits and Misses format.
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Hit: Kimi Antonelli clinches his maiden World Championship
Kimi Antonelli became the first Italian World Champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. He also dethroned Sebastian Vettel, breaking his record as the youngest F1 World Champion at the age of 23.
Two years ago, when Antonelli was announced as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement, the task ahead of him was daunting for a then-teenager. During his rookie year, he faced some difficulties, particularly during the European leg of the season. Critics questioned Mercedes’ decision; however, he finished the season on a high note.
Before the start of the 2026 season, it was clear that Mercedes would be the team to beat, thanks to their superior car. George Russell was the clear favourite. Following his victory in China, he went on to win four more races and established a significant lead, which later played an important role in his championship campaign.
Antonelli drove calmly during the Mexico GP, avoiding unnecessary risks. His only notable moment of aggression came in the closing laps, when he overtook Charles Leclerc to complete the podium. It was fitting that he shared the podium with two of the best drivers of this generation, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
“On the last lap, I just backed off because I just couldn’t see the track. I was getting emotional. I said, ‘I’m just going to back off because otherwise I crash here.'” Antonelli described his emotional final moments before becoming champion.
Miss: Ferrari’s intra-team battle costs them a potential victory
Lewis Hamilton secured his first pole position with Ferrari, and both Ferrari drivers were running first and second at Turn 4 of the race.
“When you are 1-2 in Turn 4, you don’t imagine that you won’t win the race.” Team principal Fred Vasseur gave his assessment after the race.
However, the opportunity slipped away because of Ferrari’s intra-team battle. Leclerc overtook Hamilton off track but received a five-second penalty. This ultimately allowed Max Verstappen to jump ahead of Lewis Hamilton and take second place.
It was a race with relatively few overtakes, meaning that had the Ferrari duo maintained their positions, a victory would have been well within their reach. Their intra-team squabble ultimately cost them a potential race win. After the race, Lewis Hamilton said Ferrari had “big problems”.
This was not the first incident of this nature during the current season. Both drivers have found themselves in each other’s way on several occasions. With the WDC now settled, the all-important Constructors’ Championship remains to be decided. Ferrari must address these issues if they are to maintain their second position in the standings.
Hit: Another Max Verstappen masterclass in Mexico
It was Max Verstappen’s sixth victory in Mexico, making the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez his most successful circuit. While discussing this achievement, he joked that the race should be called the “Maxico GP”. It was another classic Max Verstappen victory.
He benefited from Ferrari’s intra-team battle, George Russell’s misfortune, and favourable red-flag timing. However, none of this takes away from the Dutchman’s achievement. This was yet another demonstration of just how good he can be when the car suits his driving style.
Miss: Cadillac endured a difficult weekend
It was a milestone weekend for Cadillac’s Sergio Perez as he marked his 300th race start. He made a brilliant start and managed to hold his nerve during the restart. He climbed to P13 but suffered from a slow pit stop and pit-lane penalties, ultimately losing his potential points finish.
Cadillac’s technical issues continued throughout the weekend, with Valtteri Bottas forced to retire from the race prematurely.
Hit: Lawson’s remarkable recovery from the pit lane to P7
This weekend has been like a rodeo for the Racing Bull’s Liam Lawson, who was intrepid during his fight with Max Verstappen and was penalised for that. He was on a high after qualifying P9, but this lasted for a short time as the New Zealander was soon disqualified due to a technical infringement. In the document, the FIA explained the situation: “Lawson was in breach of the minimum MGU-K power requirement just after crossing the line on his fastest lap in Q2 at 15:47:36.
He started Sunday’s race from the pit lane and showcased one of the best recovery drives, ending the race on P7.
Miss: Oscar Piastri’s misfortunes continue
Oscar Piastri made a good start on Sunday following a difficult qualifying session the previous day. However, the restart undid much of the progress he had made at the race start.
Soon after the restart, he collided with Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad, bringing the latter’s race to an end.
The incident also damaged Piastri’s car. The Australian tried his best to avoid the collision but was unsuccessful. Defending his actions after the race, he said:
“It wasn’t like I tried to stick my nose into Turn 2.”
He was subsequently penalised and had to settle for P13.
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