Kimi Antonelli celebrates Formula 1 championship title

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has honored a promise made earlier in the season following his historic Formula 1 World Championship victory. The 20-year-old Italian arrived at the Mercedes factory in Brackley, England, with his hair dyed in the colors of the Italian flag—red, white, and green. Antonelli had pledged to change his hairstyle if he became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. He secured the title at the Mexican Grand Prix at the age of 20 years and 68 days, becoming the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

The team captured his arrival in a video, showing the humorous reaction of his teammate George Russell, who expressed amusement at the transformation. Following his celebration in England, Antonelli returned to his hometown of Bologna, Italy, on November 9, 2026, where he received a hero's welcome. While one source notes his return took place after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the championship win itself was confirmed earlier following the result in Mexico. The young driver is currently enjoying the post-championship celebrations with his team and supporters as he marks this milestone in his career.