Italian driver Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest Formula 1 world champion in the 77-year history of the championship, securing the 2026 title at 20 years and 68 days old. He surpassed Sebastian Vettel's previous record of 23 years and 134 days set in 2010.
Antonelli achieved the feat in his second full season, having debuted at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix at age 18. During the 2026 season he also became the youngest driver to claim a pole position in China, the youngest to lead the championship in Japan, and the youngest to complete a "grand slam" — pole, fastest lap, leading every lap, and victory — in Monaco.
Previous youngest champions
Sebastian Vettel won his first title in 2010 at 23 years and 134 days, in his third full season. He clinched the championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after a four-way title fight.
Lewis Hamilton claimed his maiden crown in 2008 at 23 years and 300 days, in his second season. He famously overtook Timo Glock on the final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix to win by a single point.
Fernando Alonso became champion in 2005 at 24 years and 57 days, in his fourth full season. He secured the title with two races remaining after a consistent campaign for Renault.
Max Verstappen won his first title in 2021 at 24 years and 73 days, in his seventh season. The decisive moment came on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after a controversial safety-car restart.
Emerson Fittipaldi was the first Brazilian champion in 1972 at 25 years and 273 days, in his second season. He held the youngest champion record for 33 years until Alonso broke it in 2005.
