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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has asked Kimi Antonelli to "never change" in a social media congratulation to the new F1 drivers' champion.

Ben Sulayem, who has been at the helm of the motorsports governing body since 2021, shared how "emotional" he is over the Mercedes driver clinching the title in last weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix.

In doing so, Antonelli has become the F1's youngest champion and Italy's first title-winner in 73 years.

The 20-year-old joined Jacques Villeneuve and Lewis Hamilton as the only three drivers to win the crown in just their second season, excluding Juan Manuel Fangio, who took his maiden title in the championship's second campaign, in 1951.

"I am emotional. Congratulations, Kimi," Ben Sulayem said in a social media post from the FIA. "One thing I saw in you, is you work under not just pressure, stress. You never complain.

"I'll just say to you, from the bottom of my heart, congratulations. It's a phenomenon."

The FIA president requested that Antonelli, who is a popular champion, stay who he is now, and not let his success change him.

"But in the meanwhile, I'll just ask you for something: Never change. Keep this Kimi," he added.

"The Kimi I signed the first super licence for him last year, and Kimi as he is now. Just make sure you keep the same Kimi.

"Really, I'm not the only one who's happy. A lot of people are happy. Thank you for making it happen. All the best to you, your family, and your team."

Also interesting:

Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Samuel Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on Mexico City but also look ahead to this weekend's São Paulo Grand Prix! Kimi Antonelli become world champion is a lead discussion, as is the latest Ferrari drama!

Rather watch this episode? Then click here!

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