Vettel "very happy" for Kimi Antonelli to break his youngest world champion record

Sebastian Vettel has declared he would be “very happy” for Kimi Antonelli to strip him of his record as Formula 1's youngest world champion, as the Mercedes rookie edges ever closer to rewriting the history books.

Vettel claimed the accolade in 2010 at 23 years, four months and 11 days old, beating Lewis Hamilton's 2008 benchmark by five-and-a-half months. Now, in a strikingly rapid rise, Antonelli is increasingly poised to become the sport's youngest-ever champion at just 20 — with his Spanish Grand Prix victory extending his advantage over main rival, and Mercedes team-mate, George Russell to 81 points.

Vettel's warm endorsement

Speaking at Monza, the four-time champion offered nothing but support.

“I'd be very happy for him,” Vettel said. “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.”

Breaking new ground

Antonelli has already chipped away at several of Vettel's records this year. The Italian clinched his maiden pole position and his first hat-trick at 19 years old — accomplishments Vettel did not achieve until 21, back in 2008 and 2009.

Antonelli also holds the mark as F1's youngest fastest-lap scorer, race leader, championship leader and grand-chelem achiever, records he has taken from Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. The Dutchman, meanwhile, retains the honour roll for youngest driver, points scorer, podium finisher and race winner.

A friendship behind the sprint

The Mercedes driver, who has been the dominant force of the season, expressed genuine appreciation for Vettel's encouragement — a rapport documented amid the debate around who deserves the 2026 crown.

“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 revealed.

“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.”

With an 81-point lead and momentum firmly behind him, Antonelli stands on the verge of erasing Vettel's name from the record books — and, by the German's own admission, the record could not fall into happier hands.