The Mercedes sensation arrived at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez knowing that a top-nine finish would guarantee the championship, regardless of how title rivals Lewis Hamilton and George Russell performed.

Starting fourth, Antonelli delivered a composed and mature drive under immense pressure, negotiating a race interrupted by a red flag and a late Safety Car to secure the podium position he needed.

While Antonelli celebrated championship glory, Max Verstappen stole the spotlight at the front, producing a commanding performance to claim his third victory of the season.

The Red Bull driver surged from fifth on the grid, capitalising on an intense Ferrari battle and Charles Leclerc’s time penalty to seize the lead.

Hamilton pushed Verstappen throughout the closing stages but ultimately had to settle for second, with Antonelli completing the podium.

Behind them, Leclerc finished fourth, ahead of Lando Norris and Mercedes team-mate Russell. Further down the field, penalties and collisions created plenty of drama, with Oscar Piastri dropping to 13th after a 10-second sanction.

For Antonelli, however, the numbers mattered little. His third-place finish confirmed a remarkable championship triumph, marking the arrival of a new generation of Formula 1 superstar. Mexico witnessed history in the making.

2026 Mexico Grand Prix: Race Results

Did not finish (DNF):

Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls

Oliver Bearman – Haas

Valtteri Bottas – Cadillac

Lance Stroll – Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin