Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 World Championship with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone in his racing career. His podium result came after a crucial overtake on Charles Leclerc, which effectively sealed the title in a competitive season.
The race weekend saw notable performances across the grid, with Max Verstappen recovering from an incident in the second practice session to finish second. Verstappen demonstrated strong racecraft and control, particularly during restarts. Lewis Hamilton achieved his 105th career pole position and his first for Ferrari, but ultimately finished behind Verstappen after a close battle. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson overcame a qualifying disqualification to climb back to seventh place, starting from the pit lane.
Other drivers made their mark as well. Lando Norris qualified sixth and finished fifth despite McLaren’s limited pace. Rookie Arvid Lindblad impressed by qualifying ninth and running in the points before a collision ended his race prematurely. Ryo Hirakawa, who stepped in midweekend, secured Haas’s sole point with a tenth-place finish. Sergio Perez celebrated his 300th Grand Prix but faced challenges that left him in 16th place after penalties and a slow pit stop. Gabriel Bortoleto managed to finish eighth following post-race penalties that promoted his position. Ollie Bearman was also running in the points before a collision forced his retirement.
The Power Rankings panel, composed of five judges, assessed driver performances throughout the Mexico City weekend independently of car performance. Their evaluations highlighted the maturity and consistency Antonelli showed in securing the championship. Verstappen and Hamilton’s performances were also noted for their intensity and skill, while Lawson’s recovery drive stood out as a significant effort given his starting position. The rankings also recognized the promising displays from newcomers and substitute drivers, reflecting the depth of talent across the field.
While race incidents and penalties influenced some final results, the Power Rankings focused on driver merit and weekend performance. Drivers like Alex Albon, Charles Leclerc, and Franco Colapinto delivered solid runs but narrowly missed inclusion in the top rankings. The assessment underlined the competitive nature of the Mexico City Grand Prix and the varied challenges faced by drivers and teams alike.
Antonelli’s podium finish and championship victory capped off a season marked by strong performances and strategic racing. The Mexico City event showcased the skill and resilience of many drivers, with the Power Rankings offering a nuanced perspective on their efforts beyond the race results. This evaluation provides insight into the drivers’ form and potential as the championship concludes.