Rossi Hails 'Absolute Hero' Antonelli as MotoGP World Congratulates F1's Youngest Champion

Valentino Rossi has led a wave of congratulations from the MotoGP world for Andrea Kimi Antonelli after the Mercedes driver sealed his first Formula 1 world championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Antonelli finished third in Mexico to clinch the title in only his second season in the sport, and at 20 years old he became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, as well as the first Italian to win the crown since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Speaking to Sky Italia, nine-time world champion Rossi said Antonelli would become "an absolute hero in Italy" after his historic achievement. Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi, a close friend of Antonelli, also sent his congratulations, along with Fabio Quartararo and Jorge Martin, while the VR46 Racing team shared its own tribute. Franco Morbidelli added his praise for Antonelli's season, underlining how widely the achievement has been celebrated across Italian motorsport. The title is secured, but Antonelli's season is not over: four races remain, beginning in Brazil this weekend, followed by a planned Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi triple-header, although uncertainty over racing in the Middle East could still alter that closing schedule.