‘It Was Not Easy To Wake Up’: Kimi Antonelli Recalls Horrible Hangover After Title Win Celebrations

Kimi Antonelli revealed that he suffered from an alcohol-induced hangover following his drivers’ world championship triumph at the Mexican Grand Prix last week. The 20-year-old explained that he usually avoids drinking, but went ‘full out’ due to it being a special occasion during a party after the race on Sunday.

“I never drink. I try to avoid that as much as possible, also because I prefer eating pasta ragu from my mother. But that night, I was like, it’s such a special occasion, I’ve got to go full out,” Antonelli said on Thursday.

“The thing is, because I’m not used to it, after very little I was already feeling it. But I just kept going, all the way until the end.

But it was a fun night. It was not easy to wake up. And my body wasn’t in the best of states, let’s say,” he added.

Antonelli became the youngest-ever world champion in the history of F1, claiming the title at the age of just 20. He did so after finishing third at the Mexican GP last Sunday, joined on the podium by race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in second.

The Mercedes driver has secured the 2026 title with four rounds of the season still to go, which showcases how dominant he has been this year. Antonelli has won nine races in 2026, with the next-best record held jointly by Verstappen and George Russell, who have won three races each.

Kimi Antonelli Explains Significance of Sharing Podium with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in Mexico

Antonelli was held aloft by Verstappen and Hamilton following the Mexican GP, and the youngster has shared that he will frame the photograph of that moment to cherish it forever. He explained that the feeling of receiving such respect from both world champions was ‘incredible’.

“Incredible. It happened in Canada as well this year, earlier in the year, but obviously this is special. And, as I said many times, I will definitely frame the picture and put it in my house because it’s just an incredible moment,” Antonelli said in the world champion’s press conference in Mexico.

“To see so much respect from two incredible drivers who have done the history of the sport is truly special, and a moment that will live and will always be remembered. So definitely I will frame the picture and put it on the wall of my house so I can see it very well whenever I go in,” he added.

Antonelli managed to overtake Charles Leclerc in the final stages of the Mexican GP to set up the instantly iconic podium featuring himself, Verstappen and Hamilton as he secured the title.

Kimi Antonelli Shares Favorite Congratulatory Message Following Championship Triumph

Antonelli has shared that he especially appreciated the message from fellow world champion Sebastian Vettel following his world championship win in Mexico. The driver explained that the message from the German former driver was ‘very emotional and very deep’.

“Max, Lewis, Lando (Norris) were very nice as well, Charles. Everyone within the paddock reached out and they were super nice. But the message from Seb was very nice, very emotional, very deep,” Antonelli said.

“And also, what he says in the message is very cool and it’s something I can use for the future. Especially when he says that my life is going to change a lot, but he also says that I just need to be myself and stay grounded because there’s still a race to win at the end of the day,” he added.

Antonelli explained that Vettel’s message gave him the realization that there are still races to go in 2026, and that 2027 will be a new beginning as he will start next season from zero points.

It is Vettel, whose record Antonelli has broken to become the youngest F1 world champion of all time. In a message that was shared publicly, the retired four-time world champion praised Antonelli for taking the record, while also being a fair but ruthless racer on the track.

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