New Delhi, Nov. 12 -- Kimi Antonelli's climb to Formula 1 World Champion looked almost inevitable once he reached single-seaters, yet the speed that carried him there showed up from the very first tests. In only his second season in Formula 1, he became the youngest drivers' champion in the sport's history, sealing the 2026 title at the Mexico City Grand Prix at 20 years and 68 days old. Most drivers his age are still fighting to leave junior categories; Antonelli had already finished the job.

The Italian spent just three-and-a-half years on the FIA single-seater ladder and did every step of it with PREMA. Until 2026, the Rosin family ran the highly successful junior team, and it was under Rene Rosin that Kimi Antonelli moved from Formul...