Table of Content
Kimi Antonelli has been crowned Formula 1 world champion, becoming the youngest title winner in the history of the sport. The Italian driver secured the achievement during only his second season after finishing in third place at the Mexico City Grand Prix, as reported by Formula1.com.
5. Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen claimed his first championship in 2021 at the age of 24 years and 73 days. Having previously broken records as the youngest Grand Prix starter and winner, he ended Mercedes’ dominant run and halted Lewis Hamilton’s bid for an eighth title at the Abu Dhabi finale. Verstappen subsequently secured titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024 to become a four-time champion at 27 years old, before finishing behind McLaren’s Lando Norris in 2025.
4. Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso won his maiden title in 2005 at 24 years and 57 days old. Following an impressive rookie season with Minardi and a move to Renault, the Spanish driver capitalized on new 2005 regulations to end Michael Schumacher’s streak of five consecutive drivers’ titles. Alonso defended his crown in 2006 to become the youngest double champion of that era, and continues to compete at age 45.
3. Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton secured his first world championship in 2008 at 23 years and 300 days old. After a competitive debut season alongside teammate Fernando Alonso at McLaren in 2007, Hamilton returned to title contention the following year. He clinched the 2008 crown at the Brazilian Grand Prix by overtaking Toyota’s Timo Glock on the final laps.
2. Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel captured his first world title at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at 23 years and 133 days old, overcoming a 15-point deficit to Alonso. He subsequently became the youngest double, triple, and quadruple champion during an era of dominance with Red Bull. Vettel had earlier set records as the youngest points scorer, polesitter, and race winner.
1. Kimi Antonelli
Kimi Antonelli claimed the top spot by winning the 2026 championship at just 20 years and 68 days old. Earlier in the year, the Italian driver broke Sebastian Vettel’s pole position record at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he also secured his maiden victory. As Mercedes’ lead driver under new regulations, Antonelli established a new benchmark as the youngest champion in F1 history.
Antonelli will now wear the number one on his Mercedes car next season as the reigning world champion defends his newly acquired crown.
