Italian driver Kimi Antonelli has made history by becoming the youngest Formula 1 World Champion at 20 years and 68 days, breaking Sebastian Vettel's previous record of 23 years and 134 days set in 2010. Antonelli secured the title in his second full season, having debuted at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix at age 18.
Record-Breaking Season
During his championship campaign, Antonelli also became the youngest driver to claim a pole position in China, the youngest to lead the championship in Japan, and the youngest to achieve a grand slam (pole, fastest lap, leading every lap, and victory) in Monaco. His rookie season in 2025 yielded 150 points, less than half of Mercedes teammate George Russell's 319.
Previous Youngest Champions
Before Antonelli, the record was held by Sebastian Vettel, who won his first of four titles in 2010 at age 23 years and 134 days. Lewis Hamilton claimed his maiden championship in 2008 at 23 years and 300 days, while Fernando Alonso won in 2005 at 24 years and 57 days. Max Verstappen took his first title in 2021 at 24 years and 73 days, and Emerson Fittipaldi was the youngest champion for 33 years after winning in 1972 at 25 years and 273 days.
