The possibility of Kimi Antonelli taking Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest Formula 1 world champion does not bother the German. After 16 years with the record, Vettel assures that he would be happy if the Italian manages to surpass his achievement, something that could happen this season, as Antonelli turns 20 as the clear leader of the 2026 championship.
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The victory at the Italian GP, achieved after starting in 19th position, was the driver’s seventh of the year and extended his lead to 66 points. The situation is even more favorable compared to George Russell. Antonelli has a margin of almost three races over his teammate. Additionally, he has seven wins against only two from Russell, an advantage that would also be considered as a tiebreaker if both ended with the same points.
The scenario puts Antonelli in front of an opportunity to make history in F1. Vettel won his first title with Red Bull on November 14, 2010, at 23 years, 4 months, and 11 days old. Born on July 3, 1987, the German set the record for the youngest F1 world champion at that time.
The Italian from Mercedes was born on August 25, 2006, and to surpass Vettel’s record, he needs to win the championship before January 5, 2030. If the 2026 title is decided only in the last race, currently scheduled for December 6 in Abu Dhabi, but expected to be moved to Europe, the Italian will be 20 years, 3 months, and 12 days old.
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Vettel does not treat the possible loss of the record as a disappointment. Asked if it would be bittersweet to see Antonelli take the record, the four-time world champion replied: “No,” Vettel told the press. “I would be very happy for him. He has had an incredible year, and there is that old saying that records are made to be broken. “He still has many years ahead for that.”
“I love the sport, so as a spectator, it’s very exciting. I would root for others to come back and be more in the fight, but I’m kind of independent and happy for them, because I know how much work is behind achieving that. And whoever wins will deserve it,” added the former driver.
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