Kimi Antonelli has made Formula 1 history by becoming the youngest world champion ever, but his unforgettable moment at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix came with one surprising disappointment: he was not presented with the actual Formula 1 world championship trophy. Despite securing the title with four races still remaining, the 20-year-old Mercedes driver had to celebrate with the third-place trophy he earned in the race rather than the prestigious silverware reserved for the world champion.
The situation has now exposed another disagreement between Formula 1’s commercial leadership and its governing body, the FIA. According to a report by ESPN cited by Sportbible, Liberty Media made a special request to have the championship trophy available in Mexico City in case Antonelli secured the title. However, that request was rejected, meaning the young Italian must wait until the FIA’s end-of-season awards ceremony to receive the historic prize.
WHY ANTONELLI DID NOT RECEIVE HIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY
The explanation comes down to the separation between Formula 1 and the FIA. Although Formula 1 manages the commercial side of the championship, including its global promotion and entertainment operations, the FIA remains responsible for governing the sport and overseeing its official championship procedures.
The world championship trophy is traditionally presented at the FIA’s annual prize-giving ceremony rather than immediately after the race in which a driver mathematically secures the title. That tradition also brings together champions from other FIA competitions, including the World Endurance Championship, World Rally Championship and Formula E.
Liberty Media reportedly wanted to change that arrangement for Antonelli’s historic achievement. Presenting the trophy immediately after the Mexican Grand Prix would have allowed Formula 1 to turn the championship-winning moment into an even bigger global celebration. However, the FIA was not prepared to move away from its established ceremony.
FIA’S DECISION ALSO INVOLVES THE POSSIBILITY OF SPORTING APPEALS
There is another important reason why the FIA prefers to wait before officially presenting championship trophies. Race results can sometimes become subject to sporting appeals, investigations or other proceedings after a Grand Prix.
Presenting a world championship trophy immediately after a race could create complications if a subsequent ruling changed the outcome or affected the championship standings. Waiting until the end of the season provides a more formal setting in which the governing body can recognise the final champions.
That does not mean Antonelli’s title is currently in doubt. He secured the championship mathematically in Mexico, and the delay is connected to the established presentation process rather than any reported challenge to his achievement.
WHEN WILL KIMI ANTONELLI FINALLY RECEIVE THE TROPHY?
Antonelli is expected to receive the official Formula 1 world championship trophy at the FIA prize-giving ceremony in Shanghai on December 12.
The enormous silver trophy is one of the most recognisable pieces of silverware in motorsport. It features sterling gold detailing and carries the signatures of every Formula 1 world champion dating back to Giuseppe Farina, who won the inaugural championship in 1950.
For Antonelli, seeing his name added to that historic list will be a defining moment. At just 20 years and 68 days old, he has already surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s record of becoming the youngest world champion, previously achieved at 23 years and 134 days in 2010.
The ceremony will also give the Italian an opportunity to celebrate his achievement alongside the champions of other major FIA championships.
LIBERTY MEDIA AND THE FIA HAVE DIFFERENT IDEAS ABOUT F1’S BIGGEST MOMENTS
The rejected request highlights a wider question about who controls the presentation of Formula 1’s most important achievements. Since Liberty Media acquired Formula 1’s commercial rights in 2017, the championship has placed increasing emphasis on entertainment, global audiences and turning major sporting moments into memorable events.
From a commercial perspective, presenting the trophy immediately after a title-winning race would create a powerful television and social media moment. Fans watching around the world would see the champion receive the sport’s biggest prize at the exact venue where the title was secured.
The FIA, however, has its own institutional traditions and responsibilities. The annual awards ceremony is one of its most important occasions, and maintaining that event gives the governing body an opportunity to recognise achievements across multiple championships.
Although relations between Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have reportedly improved after periods of tension, the trophy disagreement demonstrates that the two organisations can still have different priorities.
ANTONELLI’S HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT DESERVES A BIGGER CELEBRATION
There is little doubt that Antonelli’s championship deserves an extraordinary celebration. Winning the Formula 1 title at 20 is an achievement that places him in a category of his own, particularly given the pressure of competing against established champions such as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
His third-place finish in Mexico was enough to secure the championship, allowing him to complete a remarkable season with four rounds still remaining. However, the absence of the official trophy created an unusual scene: a newly crowned world champion celebrating one of the biggest achievements in motorsport without the sport’s most important individual prize.
The December ceremony will eventually give Antonelli the recognition he is waiting for. But the debate surrounding the rejected request may not disappear. As Formula 1 continues to grow commercially, Liberty Media could revisit the idea of presenting championship trophies at the races where titles are decided.
For now, Antonelli will have to wait until Shanghai. He has already secured his place in Formula 1 history, but the official silverware will not be placed in his hands until December 12.
