Vettel Backs Antonelli to Shatter Youngest Champion Record
Sebastian Vettel has declared he will be “very happy” if Kimi Antonelli eclipses his long-standing record as Formula 1’s youngest world champion. The four-time title winner set the benchmark in 2010 at 23 years, four months and 11 days, trimming five-and-a-half months off Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 mark.
Antonelli Poised to Rewrite History
Antonelli, still only 20, is increasingly favored to claim the 2025 crown. His victory at the Spanish Grand Prix extended his championship lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell to a commanding 81 points, putting the Italian on course to become the sport’s youngest-ever title holder.
Speaking in Monza, Vettel offered unreserved support for the youngster:
“I’d be very happy for him. He had an incredible year. There’s the old phrase that records are there to be broken. He still has a lot of years ahead of him to do so.
“I love the sport, so as a spectator it’s very exciting. I’d wish for the others to come back and be more in the mix. I’m independent and happy for [him] because I know how much work there is behind it to achieve it, and whoever will win will deserve it as well.”
Records Already Falling
Antonelli has already claimed several milestones once held by Vettel. The Italian secured his maiden pole position and first hat-trick (pole, win, fastest lap) at 19 years old this season; Vettel achieved those feats at 21 in 2008 and 2009 respectively.
Antonelli’s growing collection of youth records also includes youngest fastest-lap scorer, race leader, championship leader and grand-chelem achiever — marks previously held by Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Verstappen retains the records for youngest driver, points scorer, podium finisher and race winner in F1 history.
Mutual Respect Between Generations
The Mercedes driver expressed gratitude for his predecessor’s encouragement:
“It’s great. Seb is incredible. He’s a friend of mine, always sends some messages after every race weekend or even before some of them.
“It’s great to see so much support from him and so much appreciation as well. Definitely, I’m very happy to get his messages, and for sure they make a little difference in going into the weekend or even after.”
F1’s Top 10 Youngest World Champions
| Year | Driver | Team | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | 23y, 4m, 11d |
| 2008 | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren | 23y, 9m, 26d |
| 2005 | Fernando Alonso | Renault | 24y, 1m, 27d |
| 2021 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 24y, 2m, 12d |
| 2011 | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | 24y, 3m, 6d |
| 2022 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 25y, 9d |
| 2006 | Fernando Alonso | Renault | 25y, 2m, 23d |
| 2012 | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | 25y, 4m, 22d |
| 1972 | Emerson Fittipaldi | Lotus | 25y, 8m, 29d |
| 1994 | Michael Schumacher | Benetton | 25y, 10m, 10d |
Additional reporting by Ronald Vording and Filip Cleeren
