Kimi Antonelli cherished a “day I will remember forever” as he claimed his place in history as Formula One’s youngest world champion.

Aged just 20 years and 68 days, Antonelli’s extraordinary march to the crown in his second season in the sport was completed under the Mexico City sun.

He needed to finish only ninth to secure the crown and showed composure beyond his years to navigate a chaotic race, coming home third to become the first Italian champion since 1953.

A tearful Antonelli roared “we did it” over the radio before pulling up his Mercedes in the middle of the raucous Foro Sol Stadium, jumping out of the car and into the arms of his jubilant parents and younger sister Maggie.

Kimi Antonelli celebrates with his family after winning the world championship (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Antonelli joined Mercedes as a 12-year-old and the Silver Arrows’ protege, long-since lauded as a generational talent, realised his destiny by sealing a stunning championship win with four rounds…