Vettel: I'd Be Thrilled if Kimi Antonelli Breaks My Youngest Champion Record

Pulse Sports Team 14:26 - 16 September 2026

Sebastian Vettel has stated he would be "very happy" if Kimi Antonelli were to break his record as the youngest Formula 1 World Champion.

Vettel first claimed this distinction in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days, surpassing Lewis Hamilton's 2008 record by five and a half months.

Antonelli is an increasingly strong contender for this year's title, and if successful, he would be just 20 years old. His victory at the Spanish Grand Prix extended his lead over his main rival and Mercedes teammate, George Russell, to 81 points.

“I would be very happy for him. He's having an incredible year. There's an old saying that records are meant to be broken. He has many more years ahead of him to do it. I love the sport, so as a spectator, it's very exciting. I would like to see the others get back into the fight and create more intrigue. I'm impartial and I'm happy for him because I know how much work goes into such an achievement, and whoever wins it will deserve it,” Vettel commented.