Stefano Domenicali has declared that Kimi Antonelli's world championship marks the start of an "extraordinary legacy" after the Mercedes driver became Formula 1's youngest champion.
Antonelli sealed the 2026 drivers' title by finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix. The 20-year-old also becomes the first Italian to win the championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953, ending a 73-year wait for the country.
The Mercedes driver's rise has been rapid. Signed to the Brackley-based squad's junior programme back in 2019, Antonelli was fast-tracked straight into Formula 2 for 2024, skipping Formula 3 entirely, before stepping into a Mercedes race seat in 2025.
F1 CEO Domenicali framed Antonelli's achievement as historic on multiple fronts.
"Today, Kimi Antonelli has made history," said Domenicali. "Becoming the youngest F1 world champion is an extraordinary achievement, earned through exceptional talent, courage and determination."
"It fills me with immense pride to see Kimi become the first Italian Formula 1 world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
"For 73 years, our country has waited for this moment, and today an entire nation will celebrate one of its own reaching the very pinnacle of our sport."
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Antonelli 'inspiring a generation'
Domenicali went on to tie Antonelli's achievement to its wider impact beyond the result itself.
"Greatness is measured not only by records, but by the generations it inspires," he added.
"Kimi has captured the imagination of millions of fans around the world and shown young people everywhere that there are no limits to what can be achieved through dedication, belief and hard work.
"Across the world, young boys and girls watching today will see in Kimi someone who proves that the biggest dreams can become reality."
The F1 boss then delivered the line that placed Antonelli's triumph in a longer context.
"Today, his name joins the legends of our sport," he said. "A new chapter in F1 history has been written, and I firmly believe this is only the beginning of an extraordinary legacy.
"Congratulations to Kimi, Mercedes and his family on this incredible achievement. The entire F1 community is proud to celebrate this special moment with them."
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