Italian driver Kimi Antonelli made history on Sunday by becoming Formula One's youngest-ever world champion at the age of 20 years and 68 days, after finishing third for Mercedes at the Mexico City Grand Prix, which was won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
Antonelli broke the previous record held by Germany's Sebastian Vettel, who won his first of four world titles with Red Bull in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days.
The Italian became the first driver from his country to win the championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953. His third-place finish at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez gave him an unassailable 119-point lead in the overall standings.
Overcome with emotion, Antonelli sobbed over the team radio as he crossed the finish line to take the chequered flag. His race engineer, Peter Bonnington, who is often the target of the young driver's practical jokes, congratulated him, saying, "Get in there, Kimi. Champion of the world."
"We did it, thank you so much," Antonelli replied.
His parents and sister were present to embrace him as he stepped out of the car, before members of the Mercedes pit crew surrounded him in celebration.
Speaking to the crowd after securing the title, an emotional Antonelli said he was still coming to terms with his achievement.
"I'm speechless. I'm trying to process what has just happened," he said.
"It's been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible. And looking forward to some more battles in the future," he added. (with inputs from media organisations)