Kimi Antonelli Becomes Youngest F1 World Champion, Setting a New Record

Kimi Antonelli has carved his name into the annals of Formula 1 history by becoming the sport's youngest World Champion. At the tender age of 20, Antonelli clinched the 2026 title with a third-place finish in Mexico City, achieving this feat in just his second season in F1. The Italian driver has not only impressed but left a lasting mark by breaking the previous youngest champion record.

As Antonelli now stands as F1's 36th World Champion, it's worth taking a look back at the other young talents who have previously held this distinction. Here's how they stack up in the history books:

5. Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen became the youngest driver to start a Grand Prix at just 17 years and 166 days. He went on to become the youngest Grand Prix winner at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. Though Mercedes dominated the era, Verstappen ended their reign in 2021 by defeating Lewis Hamilton in a nail-biting finale at Abu Dhabi. By 2024, Verstappen had collected four titles, though McLaren's Lando Norris edged him out in 2025.

4. Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso took the world by storm in 2005 when he won his first championship at 24 years and 57 days. Driving for Renault, Alonso ended Michael Schumacher's dominant spell, securing back-to-back titles by 2006. Despite multiple stints with various teams since then, Alonso is still chasing a third title at 45.

3. Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton's debut in 2007 was marked by a fierce rivalry with Fernando Alonso at McLaren. Despite narrowly missing out in his rookie year, Hamilton claimed his first title in 2008 when he was 23 years and 300 days old. Now with Ferrari, Hamilton would become one of the oldest champions if he wins again in 2027.

2. Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel's 2010 championship win at 23 years and 133 days made him the youngest champion at the time. He continued to set records, becoming the youngest-ever double, triple, and quadruple champion as he dominated with Red Bull in the early 2010s. Vettel's career began with a splash, scoring his first F1 points for BMW Sauber in 2007 and winning his first race in Monza in 2008.

1. Kimi Antonelli

Antonelli's rise to the top has been nothing short of meteoric. Earlier this year, he shattered Vettel's pole record by securing the top spot on the grid for the Chinese Grand Prix, where he also took his first victory. As the leading driver for Mercedes, Antonelli has outpaced teammate George Russell and seized the championship at just 20 years old. His record-breaking achievement as the youngest champion is one that may stand for years to come.

In rewriting the record books, Antonelli has set a new benchmark for young drivers aiming to make their mark in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.