Sebastian Vettel: “I’d be quite pleased” for Kimi Antonelli to surpass me as the youngest champion in F1.

Sebastian Vettel stated he would be “very pleased” for Kimi Antonelli if he surpasses his record as the youngest world champion in Formula 1.

Vettel achieved this milestone in 2010 at the age of 23 years, four months, and 11 days, surpassing Lewis Hamilton's previous record from 2008 by five and a half months.

Antonelli appears increasingly poised to secure this year’s championship at just 20 years old, with his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix extending his lead over primary rival and Mercedes teammate George Russell to 81 points.

“I’d be very happy for him,” Vettel remarked in Monza. “He has had an outstanding year. There's an old saying that records are meant to be broken. He still has many years ahead of him to accomplish that.

“I cherish the sport, so as a fan, it's quite thrilling. I hope the others can return and get more involved. I’m independent and thrilled for [him] because I recognize the immense effort it takes to achieve this, and whoever wins will certainly deserve it.”

Sebastian Vettel winning the 2010 world title in Abu Dhabi

Antonelli has already broken several of Vettel’s records. The Italian prodigy secured his first pole position and his initial hat-trick at the age of 19 this year, while Vettel had accomplished these feats at 21, in 2008 and 2009.

The Mercedes driver expressed gratitude for his mentor's support: “It's wonderful. Seb is amazing. He’s a friend who consistently sends messages after each race weekend or even before some of them.

“It's fantastic to see such strong backing from him and the appreciation he shows. I’m definitely very glad to receive his messages, and they undoubtedly make a slight difference heading into the weekend or even afterward.”

Antonelli also holds records for being F1’s youngest fastest-lap achiever, race leader, championship leader, and grand-chelem performer, all of which he took from Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Verstappen still holds records as the youngest driver in the world championship, along with being the youngest points scorer, podium finisher, and race winner.

F1’s top 10 youngest world champions

Additional reporting by Ronald Vording and Filip Cleeren