La Conca, Italy, November 9, 2026: Dean Hoogendoorn and Antoine Sylva Venant were crowned the 2026 FIA Karting World Champions after winning the OK and Junior categories respectively at the Mondokart.com FIA Karting World Championship at the World Circuit La Conca in Italy on Sunday, November 8.

The two young drivers delivered impressive performances under pressure to secure the biggest titles of their karting careers, joining an illustrious list of former FIA Karting World Champions that includes Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Jarno Trulli, Mike Wilson and Davide Forè. The championships were decided in the 70th anniversary year of karting.

In the OK category, Dutch driver Hoogendoorn produced a commanding performance to lead the final from start to finish. The Parolin driver held off a determined challenge from Britain’s Henry Domain, who closed the gap to less than a second in the closing stages but ultimately finished just six tenths behind.

Hoogendoorn’s victory was particularly significant for Parolin, as it marked the team’s first-ever FIA Karting World Championship triumph. It was also the Dutch driver’s first FIA win of the year and his final major karting appearance before moving into FIA-certified Formula 4 competition in 2027.

Domain finished second, while Canada’s Ilie Tristan Crisan secured third place after successfully defending his position against the chasing pack. Austria’s Niklas Schaufler, who had been among the leading contenders, finished ninth after a difficult start.

Hoogendoorn and Venant Deliver Under Pressure

The Junior final produced an equally compelling contest, with Belgian driver Antoine Sylva Venant recovering from a poor start to claim the World Championship title.

Starting alongside pole-sitter Perico, Venant initially dropped back to fifth before working his way through the field. Daniel Miron Lorente emerged as his principal challenger, while Perico also featured in an intense three-way battle for the lead.

Venant eventually took control and began building a gap, demonstrating impressive pace and composure as the race progressed. Miron Lorente finished second, less than two seconds behind, while Mexico’s Miguel Manzano completed the podium.

The victory was especially meaningful for Venant, whose father also works as his engineer. The Belgian VDK driver dedicated his achievement to his grandparents and credited the team’s progress throughout the season for helping him reach the top.

Both champions will formally receive their trophies at the FIA Awards ceremony in Shanghai next month, alongside the winners of the FIA’s other world championships, including 2026 Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Antonelli.

FIA Karting’s 2026 season will conclude in Malaysia with the Arrive and Drive World Cup, with the racing action available live and free on the FIA Karting YouTube channel.