Sebastian Vettel says he would be "very happy" if Kimi Antonelli were to beat his record as Formula 1's youngest world champion. The four-time champion openly welcomed the prospect of the Mercedes driver surpassing his long-standing achievement from 2010.
Vettel clinched his first title at 23 years, 4 months, and 11 days old in Abu Dhabi 2010, breaking Lewis Hamilton's 2008 record. Now, Antonelli, at just 20, is closing in on his maiden crown. His Spanish Grand Prix victory extended his lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell to 81 points. With such dominance, Vettel's record is under serious threat.
"I'd be very happy for him," Vettel said at Monza. "He had an incredible year. There's the old phrase that records are there to be broken. He still has a lot of years ahead of him to do so. I love the sport, so as a spectator it's very exciting. I'd wish for the others to come back and be more in the mix. I'm independent and happy for him because I know how much work there is behind it to achieve it, and whoever will win will deserve it as well."
Antonelli has already broken some of Vettel's records. The Italian youngster secured his maiden pole position and his first hat-trick at 19 this year, feats Vettel achieved at 21 back in 2008 and 2009. The Mercedes driver expressed his appreciation for the encouragement.
"It's great. Seb is incredible. He's a friend of mine, always sends some messages after every race weekend or even before some of them," Antonelli said. "It's great to see so much support from him and so much appreciation as well. Definitely, I'm very happy to get his messages, and for sure they make a little difference in going into the weekend or even after."
Beyond the youngest champion record, Antonelli also holds records as F1's youngest fastest-lap scorer, race leader, championship leader, and grand-chelem achiever, snatching them from Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Verstappen still holds the records for youngest driver, points scorer, podium finisher, and race winner.
With his youth and consistent performances, Antonelli seems destined to become the youngest world champion. If that happens, Vettel will be the first to applaud.
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