Kimi Antonelli is halfway to rewriting the history books by shattering Sebastian Vettel's record as the youngest F1 champion - and becoming the first Italian since 1953.
After 11 rounds of the 2026 season, the 19-year-old has scored 219 points from six wins, a second, two thirds, and a Sprint win at Silverstone to hold a 50-point lead over Lewis Hamilton and a 59-point one over team-mate George Russell.
It puts him in prime position to become the youngest-ever F1 champion, and best Vettel's record from 2010, when the German was 23 years, 4 months, and 11 days.
For Antonelli to claim this record, he would need to be crowned world champion before Saturday, January 5th, 2030, meaning he has the 2026-2029 seasons inclusive to snatch yet another 'youngest-ever' record - as he already holds records as the youngest driver to set a fastest lap, lead a lap, and lead the world championship.
Should Antonelli convert his strong 2026 position into a maiden world championship title, or indeed, ever win a drivers' crown, he will end a curret 73-year drought for an Italian world champion.
Italian drivers won three of the first four titles between 1950 and 1953, with Giuseppe Farina securing his place in history as the first F1 champion before compatriot Alberto Ascari became the first multiple champion with his 1952 and 1953 successes.
Since Ascari, the closest an Italian has come to winning the world title came in 1985, when Michele Alboreto finished as runner-up to Alain Prost's first title. The likes of Jean Alesi, Jarno Trulli, and Giancarlo Fisichella all became F1 race winners, but could not convert into a championship challenge.
Check out the list of the youngest F1 champions in the table below!
Youngest ever F1 champions
| Driver - Year | Age |
|---|---|
| Sebastian Vettel - 2010 | 23 years, 4 months, 11 days |
| Lewis Hamilton - 2008 | 23 years, 9 months, 26 days |
| Fernando Alonso - 2005 | 24 years, 1 month, 27 days |
| Max Verstappen - 2021 | 24 years, 2 months, 12 days |
| Sebastian Vettel - 2011 | 24 years, 3 months, 6 days |
| Max Verstappen - 2022 | 25 years, 0 months, 9 days |
| Fernando Alonso - 2006 | 25 years, 2 months, 23 days |
| Sebastian Vettel - 2012 | 25 years, 4 months, 22 days |
| Emerson Fittipaldi - 1972 | 25 years, 8 months, 29 days |
| Michael Schumacher - 1994 | 25 years, 10 months, 10 days |
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