Sebastian Vettel has delivered a touching message to Kimi Antonelli after the young Mercedes driver broke his record to become the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history.
A Record Smashed
At just 20 years and 68 days, Antonelli clinched the 2026 drivers’ crown with a third-place finish in Mexico City, overtaking Vettel’s benchmark of 23 years and 134 days—the age Vettel was when he won his first title with Red Bull in 2010. Antonelli also made history as the first Italian world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Words of Praise and Admiration
In a video message released by F1, Vettel offered heartfelt congratulations:
“Congratulations, world champion. Campione del mondo. Wow! Only very few of us have managed to achieve that, and nobody has done it as young as you.”
Vettel highlighted Antonelli’s curiosity, willingness to learn, fearlessness, and maturity behind the wheel:
“Your driving has been very clean and controlled, yet on the limit when it needed to be. You understood that you can only control what you can control. You have a unique drive, and we enjoy watching you.”
Reflections and Advice
Sharing his own memories, Vettel recounted how overwhelming it felt to win his first championship and advised Antonelli to savor every moment:
“The best part wasn’t crossing the line that decided the title, it was all the races that led up to it. It is never the one race that matters. It is all the races we do.”
Vettel reminded Kimi to stay grounded, even as perceptions might shift after such an achievement:
“Great achievements might change the way people look at you, but you don’t have to change the way you look at people. Now go on and enjoy it. Un abbraccio forte—a big hug. Ciao.”
Antonelli’s breakthrough season has not only written a new chapter in F1’s record books but also earned him the admiration and respect of a legend who knows exactly what it takes to reach the very top.
