Article: F1 Mexico City Grand Prix 2026: Verstappen Takes the Win, Antonelli Makes History
Mexico City once again delivered a weekend full of adrenaline, unexpected turns and unforgettable moments as Formula 1 took over the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez from October 30 to November 1.
The 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix had everything: intense battles, dramatic incidents, a red flag, and a historic championship moment.
Verstappen Takes Victory in Mexico
Max Verstappen claimed the Mexican Grand Prix victory for Red Bull Racing, crossing the finish line just 0.799 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who secured second place for Ferrari.
Starting fifth on the grid, Verstappen made an impressive move through the opening lap, eventually taking control of the race and holding off Hamilton’s late pressure to secure his third win of the 2026 season.
Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third place for Mercedes, finishing just over four seconds behind the winner.
Kimi Antonelli Makes Formula 1 History
While Verstappen celebrated the race victory, the biggest story of the weekend belonged to Kimi Antonelli.
At just 20 years old, the Mercedes driver secured his first Formula 1 World Championship after finishing third in Mexico City, officially becoming the youngest World Champion in the sport’s history.
A remarkable milestone for the Italian driver and a defining moment of the 2026 season.
The Mexico City Grand Prix Podium
The top five finishers were:
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
- Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
- Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
- Lando Norris – McLaren
A Race Full of Drama
The 71-lap race was far from straightforward. An early battle between Ferrari teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc opened the door for Verstappen to move forward.
A heavy crash involving Valtteri Bottas brought out the red flag, while a late Safety Car following a collision between Oscar Piastri and rookie Arvid Lindblad added another twist to the closing laps.
Despite the interruptions, Verstappen managed to hold on to his lead until the checkered flag.
Mexico City, Always a Show
Beyond the racing, Mexico City once again proved why it’s one of the most exciting stops on the Formula 1 calendar. From the incredible atmosphere at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to the celebrations happening throughout the city, Grand Prix weekend was a reminder that F1 in Mexico is about much more than what’s happening on the track.
One thing is certain: the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix gave us a race to remember.
