Antonelli becomes F1’s youngest champion, more than three years younger than Vettel

Kimi Antonelli clinched the 2026 Formula 1 title with third place in Mexico City, becoming the sport’s youngest world champion at 20 years and 68 days. Sebastian Vettel was 23 years and 133 days old when he won his first title in 2010 — more than three years older than Antonelli.

Vettel is second on the age list. Lewis Hamilton won his first title in 2008 at 23 years and 300 days. Fernando Alonso was 24 years and 57 days old when he won his first championship in 2005, 16 days younger than Max Verstappen at his first title in 2021 (24 years and 73 days). Formula 1’s page numbers Alonso and Verstappen in the opposite order to their ages.

Antonelli had already taken pole and his maiden Grand Prix win at the Chinese Grand Prix earlier in 2026, while still a teenager. He won the title in only his second Formula 1 season.