Antonelli recounts his title celebrations and Vettel’s moving message

Kimi Antonelli celebrated his Formula 1 world title without holding back. The driver also described the messages of congratulations that arrived after his triumph, singling out a video from retired four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel for its emotional impact.

The party took place on Sunday night in Mexico, with Antonelli still due to take part in the final round of a three-race stretch, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil. Asked whether Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord had been the biggest party animal, Antonelli replied: “Bradley’s good. But I wasn’t joking either.”

The driver said the celebrations were unusual for him. “I never drink. I try to avoid it as much as possible, also because I prefer my mum’s pasta ragu.” But this occasion was different: “I thought, it’s such a special moment, I’ve got to go full out.” He said he felt the effects after very little, but kept going until the end. “It was a fun night,” he said.

Antonelli admitted that getting up was difficult and that he was not feeling his best. Still, he described a successful celebration shared with the team, his father and friends. “It was the best way to celebrate such a special day,” he said, before noting that work had resumed and the goal was still to win.

Congratulations came from several prominent figures in motor sport. After his title win, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were among the first to offer congratulations; both had finished on the podium alongside the Italian in Mexico. Antonelli also received messages from Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc. He named Valentino Rossi and Jannik Sinner among the other Italian sports stars who had congratulated him.

Vettel’s video message, however, stood out for Antonelli. “It was really nice, very emotional, very deep,” he said. The driver took to heart the advice to remain himself and stay grounded as his life could change considerably after the title. Vettel also reminded him that there was still a race to win. Antonelli said he wanted to keep trying to win and finish the season strongly, before treating 2027 as a fresh start.

Sky Sports reports that Antonelli clinched the title after finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix, with four rounds of the 2026 season still to come. The outlet describes him as the youngest driver to win the world championship. Even after that achievement, Antonelli’s comments turn attention to what comes next: the celebrations are over, and racing resumes.