Sebastian Vettel has given Kimi Antonelli his backing to break one of Formula 1's longest-standing age records, saying he would be “very happy” if the Mercedes youngster becomes the sport's youngest-ever world champion.
Key Highlights
- Sebastian Vettel has held the record as F1's youngest world champion since winning the 2010 title aged 23.
- Kimi Antonelli could break the record at just 20 if he wins the 2026 championship.
- Antonelli has already surpassed several of Vettel's records, including becoming the youngest driver to take pole position and a hat-trick.
- The Mercedes driver currently holds several other F1 age records, while Max Verstappen retains the marks for youngest race winner and podium finisher.
Vettel Happy to See Antonelli Break His Record
Vettel became Formula 1's youngest world champion in 2010 at 23 years, four months and 11 days old, taking the record from Lewis Hamilton. With Antonelli enjoying a strong 2026 campaign, Vettel could soon lose the mark to the 20-year-old Italian.
Speaking in Monza, Vettel welcomed the possibility of Antonelli surpassing his record. Vettel also highlighted the amount of work required to reach the top of Formula 1, adding that whoever eventually wins the championship will have earned it.
“I'd be very happy for him,” Vettel said. “He had an incredible year. There's the old phrase that records are there to be broken.”
Antonelli Already Breaking Vettel's Records
Antonelli has already taken several age-related records previously held by Vettel. The Mercedes driver secured his maiden pole position and first hat-trick at 19, beating the ages at which Vettel achieved those milestones.
Antonelli has also become F1's youngest fastest-lap scorer, race leader, championship leader and grand-chelem achiever, taking several records previously associated with Hamilton and Verstappen.
The young Italian has acknowledged Vettel's support throughout his breakthrough season, revealing that the four-time world champion regularly sends him messages before and after race weekends.
“Seb is incredible. He's a friend of mine, always sends some messages after every race weekend or even before some of them,” Antonelli said.
Antonelli Chasing Another Piece of F1 History
A championship victory would give Antonelli another major place in Formula 1 history by making him the youngest world champion. Vettel, meanwhile, has made clear that he would welcome seeing his record fall to the next generation.
F1's Top 10 Youngest World Champions
- 2010 — Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull: 23 years, 4 months, 11 days
- 2008 — Lewis Hamilton, McLaren: 23 years, 9 months, 26 days
- 2005 — Fernando Alonso, Renault: 24 years, 1 month, 27 days
- 2021 — Max Verstappen, Red Bull: 24 years, 2 months, 12 days
- 2011 — Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull: 24 years, 3 months, 6 days
- 2022 — Max Verstappen, Red Bull: 25 years, 9 days
- 2006 — Fernando Alonso, Renault: 25 years, 2 months, 23 days
- 2012 — Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull: 25 years, 4 months, 22 days
- 1972 — Emerson Fittipaldi, Lotus: 25 years, 8 months, 29 days
- 1994 — Michael Schumacher, Benetton: 25 years, 10 months, 10 days
Vettel's 2010 championship remains the benchmark, with the German becoming champion at 23 years, four months and 11 days old. The list ranks each championship-winning season by the driver's age when they secured the title, so multiple-time champions such as Vettel, Verstappen and Alonso appear more than once.
