Sebastian Vettel backs Kimi Antonelli to break youngest F1 champion record
Photo: Race Pictures
14:00, 16 Sep
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Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
Sebastian Vettel says he would be “very happy” if Kimi Antonelli breaks his long-standing record as Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion.
The former Red Bull driver became F1’s youngest champion in 2010, winning the title aged 23 years, four months and 11 days. Vettel beat Lewis Hamilton’s previous record, set in 2008, by more than five months.
Antonelli now has the opportunity to set a new benchmark. The Mercedes driver, who is just 20, strengthened his position in this year’s title battle by winning the Spanish Grand Prix. That result moved him 81 points clear of Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
Speaking in Monza, Vettel said he would welcome Antonelli taking the record.
“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. 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.”
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Antonelli already surpassing Vettel’s early milestones
Antonelli has already eclipsed several records once held by Vettel. This season, the Italian became the youngest driver to take pole position and complete a hat-trick of pole, race victory and fastest lap, doing so at 19 years old.
Vettel had been 21 when he achieved those milestones during his breakthrough years in 2008 and 2009.
The Mercedes driver said Vettel’s messages of support have been valuable during his title challenge.
“It’s great. Seb is incredible,” Antonelli said. “He’s a friend of mine, always sends some messages after every race weekend or even before some of them.
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“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.”
Antonelli also holds records as F1’s youngest fastest-lap scorer, race leader, championship leader and grand chelem achiever. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen remains the youngest driver to start a grand prix, score points, stand on the podium and win an F1 race.
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