Antonelli chooses Hamilton route over following Verstappen and Norris

Antonelli became the youngest-ever world champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he finished third behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Antonelli is following the same approach as Hamilton. For next season, the Mercedes driver could have chosen to race with '1' as his number, but he will stick with '12' instead. Hamilton also kept '44' despite winning multiple world championships, while Verstappen and Norris both chose to race with '1'.

Antonelli commented after the race: "I think I'll stay with number 12. I'll stay with number 12 because, obviously, it's a very special number for me, but also it's a way for me to stay grounded, to stay humble, and I feel like by keeping number 12 it allows me to have a new point where to start and build on everything again and try to improve.

Verstappen explained he is proud of the young Italian driver. He said: "Well, I think to achieve this in your second year in Formula 1 is always very impressive. Because, of course, at his age as well, to be so solid, not make big mistakes, and, of course, also beat your experienced teammate, he's just driven incredible.

Hamilton added: "It was beautiful to be up there with these two and to be up there with Kimi for his first World Championship. I think it was a very special moment, one of the most special moments that I remember having here."