Antonelli claims F1 title in Mexico City as Ferrari loses again

Kimi Antonelli is the new Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion. The driver sealed the title this weekend at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. He became the sport's youngest ever champion just months after turning 20.

Red Bull won the race, taking the result from Ferrari. Ferrari had a clear path to victory but handed the win to a rival for the season. The team's failure to convert their advantage mirrors previous incidents this year.

The circuit sits at an elevation of 7,350 feet above sea level. This altitude creates unique challenges for cars and drivers. Wings that generate high downforce at low-altitude tracks like Monaco produce much less grip in Mexico. The thin air also reduces engine power and limits slipstream effects when following other cars.

Cooling systems struggle in the thin atmosphere. Radiators receive insufficient airflow, which complicates engine management. The track surface is flat and low-grip. It features mostly medium and slow-speed corners, including a route through a stadium built in the 1990s.

Friday practice featured ten rookie drivers substituting for series regulars. Teams must run young or test drivers in both cars at least twice per season. Cadillac Racing participated in this requirement with an unusual frequency. The American startup team has entered F2 for Colton Herta to help him earn points.

Herta needs a total of 40 F1 points over three years to obtain a super license. His IndyCar results were inconsistent, placing 10th in 2023, second in 2024, and seventh in 2025. He is racing in F2 this year to learn circuits and finish well enough in the championship to secure the remaining points needed for his license.