Kimi Antonelli has secured the 2026 Formula 1® World Championship following the Mexican Grand Prix, where he finished third behind Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Despite feeling unwell and facing significant pressure, Antonelli managed to clinch the title ahead of the final race weekend in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The championship victory marked a significant milestone for Antonelli and the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team. His performance in Mexico was enough to confirm his status as world champion, even as the season’s closing triple-header approached. Antonelli’s resilience in difficult circumstances was a key talking point within the paddock.
Following his title confirmation, Antonelli traveled to Sao Paulo to take part in the final race weekend of the season. There, he engaged in celebrations and fulfilled media commitments, including a press conference with Mercedes’ Title and Technical Partner Petronas. The atmosphere in the paddock reflected the excitement surrounding his achievement and the ongoing activities ahead of the season’s conclusion.
Alongside Antonelli, the Sao Paulo paddock also featured key figures from Ferrari and Red Bull Racing, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. While Antonelli had already secured the championship, the final race weekend remained an important occasion for teams and drivers to close out the 2026 season.
Antonelli’s ability to secure the title despite illness highlighted his determination and focus under pressure. His presence in Sao Paulo continued to draw attention, both for his celebrations and his role in the media engagements that followed the Mexican Grand Prix.
The Sao Paulo event forms part of a triple-header that will conclude the 2026 Formula 1® season. While the focus has shifted to the final races, Antonelli’s championship win remains the central story as the paddock prepares for the closing stages of the year.