The German driver Sebastian Vettel has expressed his satisfaction regarding the possibility that Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest champion in Formula 1. Vettel, who achieved this title in 2010 at just 23 years old, believes it would be a great success for the young Italian driver.
This season, Antonelli, at just 20 years old, is positioning himself as the favorite to win the championship, increasing his lead over his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, by 81 points, especially after his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Vettel commented: ‘I would be very happy for him. He has had an incredible year. Records are meant to be broken, and Antonelli still has many years to do so. I like the sport and as a spectator, it is very exciting to watch. I wish that other drivers return to the competition.’
The youngest to achieve the title so far, Vettel surpassed Lewis Hamilton’s record by five and a half months. Antonelli has already broken other records prior to achieving the title, such as securing his first pole and a hat-trick at 19 years, while Vettel did it at 21.
With other records like achieving the fastest lap, leading a race, and being the championship leader, Antonelli has proven to be an exceptional talent. Although Max Verstappen holds the records for the youngest driver to win a race, Antonelli continues to pursue his goal of being the first youngest champion.
The 10 youngest drivers to win an F1 championship
- 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
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
