WORLD CHAMPION Kimi Antonelli Mercedes W17 #12 2026 Mexico GP 1:64
Andrea Kimi Antonelli – The Road to the 2026 World Championship
Andrea Kimi Antonelli's journey to becoming the 2026 Formula 1 World Champion began in karting, where his extraordinary talent quickly attracted the attention of Mercedes. He joined the Mercedes Junior Programme in 2019 at just 12 years old and went on to win the Italian and German Formula 4 championships in 2022, followed by the Formula Regional European and Middle East titles in 2023. He advanced directly to Formula 2 in 2024, skipping Formula 3, before making his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes in 2025 as Lewis Hamilton's replacement. After an impressive rookie season that included three podium finishes, Antonelli returned in 2026 with remarkable determination. He collected nine Grand Prix victories and numerous podiums, ultimately becoming the youngest Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion in history at just 20 years and 68 days old. His achievement also ended Italy's 73-year wait for another Formula 1 champion.
2026 Mexico City Grand Prix – The Championship-Deciding Race
The 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix became the defining moment of Antonelli's young career. Arriving at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez needing only a ninth-place finish to secure the championship, the Mercedes driver started fourth and delivered a remarkably composed performance under enormous pressure. The 71-lap race featured a dramatic red-flag stoppage following a heavy accident involving Valtteri Bottas, followed by a late Safety Car after another incident. Antonelli maintained his concentration, made an impressive pass on Charles Leclerc after the restart, and crossed the finish line securing the 2026 World Championship. Antonelli's podium made him the youngest champion in Formula 1 history and the first Italian world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. It was a historic achievement for both Antonelli and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team.
WORLD CHAMPION Kimi Antonelli Mercedes W17 #12 2026 Mexico GP in 1:64 scale by Minichamps. Includes Driver Figure, Pit Board and 2026 Trophy
Minichamps is one of the most respected names in collectible scale model cars, renowned for its attention to detail, accuracy, and exceptional craftsmanship. Its extensive range covers everything from classic automobiles and modern supercars to Formula 1, endurance racing, touring cars, and historic motorsport legends. Available in scales 1:64, 1:43, 1:18, 1:12, and 1:8, Minichamps offers something for every collector, from compact display pieces to impressive large-scale replicas. Known for carefully reproduced bodywork, authentic racing liveries, detailed interiors, and realistic finishing, Minichamps has earned a worldwide following among automotive enthusiasts and motorsport collectors.