Kimi Antonelli has offered an intimate glimpse into how he marked his coronation as Formula 1's youngest-ever world champion, describing a memorable night of festivities in Mexico City and revealing the touching messages that flooded in from across the sporting world.
According to Sky Sports, the 20-year-old Italian secured his maiden drivers' championship by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, with four rounds of the 2026 season still to play.
Rather than wait for a formal celebration, Mercedes arranged an impromptu party that same evening in Mexico, where Antonelli threw caution to the wind in a manner entirely uncharacteristic of his usual disciplined approach to life off-track.
Going all out on a special night
When asked whether Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord had been the most enthusiastic reveller, Antonelli painted a vivid picture of his own unrestrained behaviour.
Bradley's good. But I was not joking either. I never drink. I try to avoid that as much as possible, also because I prefer eating pasta ragu from my mother. But that night, I was like, it's such a special occasion, I've got to go full out.
The young champion acknowledged that his body was unaccustomed to such indulgence, with the effects hitting him quickly.
The thing is, because I'm not used to it, after very little I was already feeling it. But I just kept going, all the way until the end. But it was a fun night. It was not easy to wake up. And my body wasn't in the best of states, let's say.
Despite the physical toll, Antonelli treasured the occasion for the company it brought together.
But it was good. We had a lot of fun together with the team. Also, my dad was there, some of my friends were there. It was the best way to celebrate such a special day. But now we're back at it again, and the focus is to try and win.
The celebrations took place even as Antonelli prepared for the final leg of a gruelling triple-header, with the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil scheduled for the following weekend.
A flood of congratulations from the paddock
The immensely popular Italian was inundated with congratulatory messages following his historic achievement, beginning with fellow world champions Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, both of whom shared the podium with him in Mexico.
Beyond those immediate rivals, Antonelli received further contact from reigning champion Lando Norris and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, with both drivers offering their warm wishes. The accolades extended beyond Formula 1, with fellow Italian sporting icons Valentino Rossi and tennis star Jannik Sinner also reaching out to congratulate the new champion.
Yet among all the messages that arrived, one stood out as particularly meaningful: a video from retired four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Antonelli reflected on the emotional impact of Vettel's words.
I have to be honest, many, many people reached out and they were super nice. Max, Lewis, Lando was very nice as well, Charles. Everyone within the paddock reached out and they were super, super nice. The message from Seb was really cool.
Antonelli went on to elaborate on what made Vettel's message so significant.
I got messages from all over. I'm very lucky to have so much support and to see so many people that were happy. Valentino Rossi, Jannik Sinner - there's so many people that I could list. But the message from Seb was very nice, very emotional, very deep.
Vettel's wisdom for the future
The substance of Vettel's message resonated deeply with Antonelli, offering guidance that extended far beyond the immediate celebration of his title win.
And also, what he says in the message is very cool and it's something I can use for the future. Especially when he says that my life is going to change a lot, but he also says that I just need to be myself and stay grounded because there's still a race to win at the end of the day.
Antonelli emphasised that despite achieving his first world championship, his season was far from complete.
Of course, I won my first championship, but there's still races to go this year where I want to try to win and finish on a high. And then 2027 is going to be everything new all over again, it's going to be a new beginning and a new point to build on and come back even stronger.
The champion's determination to maintain focus reflects the mindset that has propelled him to this remarkable achievement. Antonelli heads to Brazil with nine wins in his championship-winning season, demonstrating the consistency and performance that earned him the crown with races still remaining.
Mercedes' constructors' title hopes in Brazil
As Antonelli prepares for the penultimate round of the campaign, Mercedes will also have their sights set on silverware of their own. Mercedes can clinch the constructors' title in São Paulo if Ferrari does not outscore it by more than three points, adding another layer of significance to the weekend's racing.
What lies ahead in São Paulo
The São Paulo Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at 14:00 local time, with qualifying taking place on Saturday, November 7, at 15:00 local time. The weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with comprehensive coverage beginning on Friday with practice sessions and continuing through the qualifying and race day.
