Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has won the Formula-1 world champion title early at the Mexican Grand Prix. The 20-year-old Italian secured first place four rounds before the end of the championship, becoming the youngest champion in the history of the series.
This is Italy’s fourth individual championship in Formula-1 and the first since 1953.
Earlier the Italians who became champion were Giuseppe “Nino” Farina in 1950, and Alberto Ascari, who won the title in 1952 and 1953. The 73-year interval between the country’s previous and current championships is a record in Formula-1 history.
By the number of individual championships Italy has equaled Finland, Australia, Austria, France and Netehrlands.
In addition, Antonelli has become the first Italian driver to win the championship title in a foreign-made car. Farina became champion with Alfa Romeo, and Ascari with Ferrari.
