News Summary
- Kimi Antonelli clinched the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, becoming the youngest world champion in F1 history.
- The Italian did not receive the official championship trophy after the race because the FIA traditionally presents it at its annual Prize-Giving Ceremony.
- The governing body rejected a request from Formula 1 to bring the trophy to Mexico City.
- Antonelli is expected to receive the award at the FIA gala in Shanghai on December 12.
Kimi Antonelli became the 2026 Formula 1 world champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix, but the Mercedes driver did not receive the official championship trophy following his title-winning race.
The Italian will have to wait until December to get his hands on the award, as the FIA traditionally presents the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship trophy at its annual Prize-Giving Ceremony rather than at the Grand Prix where the title is decided.
According to reports, Formula 1 requested that the trophy be brought to Mexico City so Antonelli could celebrate his achievement with the silverware. However, the FIA rejected the request and maintained its established procedure.
The 20-year-old secured the championship with four rounds remaining in the 2026 season, after finishing third in the Mexican Grand Prix. His achievement made him the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
When will Antonelli receive the F1 world championship trophy?
Antonelli is expected to receive the official trophy at the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony in Shanghai, China, on December 12, 2026.
The event is held at the end of each season and recognizes champions from several categories governed by the FIA, including Formula 1. The top three drivers in the F1 Drivers’ Championship and a representative of the Constructors’ Championship-winning team are required to attend the ceremony.
The FIA’s 2026 regulations establish that the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship trophies are presented at the annual Prize-Giving Ceremony and Gala Dinner.
Why does the FIA present the trophy at the end of the season?
The tradition is intended to make the FIA gala a celebration of champions from across motorsport. The governing body has previously defended the ceremony as an important occasion for younger competitors to meet and be inspired by Formula 1 world champions.
There is also a sporting consideration behind the timing. Race results can be subject to protests, penalties or changes after the chequered flag, and the FIA prefers to present its championship trophies once the season’s outcomes have been formally settled.
However, the practice has drawn criticism because it separates the trophy presentation from the moment a driver clinches the title. Formula 1 has reportedly sought to change the tradition in recent years, but the FIA has continued to hold the ceremony at the end of the season.
Antonelli’s celebrations in Mexico City therefore took place without the championship trophy, despite the Italian having already secured one of the biggest achievements of his career.
FAQ
Why did Kimi Antonelli not receive the F1 trophy in Mexico?
The FIA traditionally presents the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship trophy at its annual Prize-Giving Ceremony. The governing body rejected a request from F1 to bring the trophy to Mexico City.
When will Kimi Antonelli receive his 2026 F1 championship trophy?
Antonelli is expected to receive the trophy at the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony in Shanghai on December 12, 2026.
Who is the youngest Formula 1 world champion?
Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history by winning the 2026 Drivers’ Championship at the age of 20.
Does the FIA give the championship trophy at the final race?
No. The Formula 1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship trophies are presented at the FIA’s annual Prize-Giving Ceremony, which takes place separately from the final Grand Prix of the season.
