Kimi Antonelli could make Formula 1 history this weekend by becoming the youngest world champion ever, potentially taking a record that has belonged to Sebastian Vettel since 2010. However, former Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko believes the German would have little concern about losing his place in the record books.
Speaking to RTL/Sky Sport, Marko suggested Vettel would accept the changing nature of Formula 1, where drivers are reaching the top of the sport at increasingly young ages.
“I think Sebastian couldn’t care less. A world champion is a world champion, and he’s lost a few records. That’s just how it goes in motorsport. Someone always comes along eventually. And because of this go-kart situation, the drivers are getting younger and younger,” Marko said.
Antonelli threatens Vettel’s long-standing record
Vettel was 23 years old when he secured his first Formula 1 world championship with Red Bull in 2010. He went on to win four consecutive drivers’ titles between 2010 and 2013, establishing himself as one of the defining drivers of his generation.
Antonelli, by contrast, is just 20 and has emerged as a championship contender with Mercedes. The Italian has a mathematical opportunity to secure the title this weekend in Austin, although the outcome will also depend on the results of his rivals.
With six race weekends remaining in the season, Antonelli holds a reported 102-point advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell. That lead has put him in a commanding position as he closes in on his first world championship.
If Antonelli secures the title at his current age, Vettel’s record as Formula 1’s youngest world champion would fall.
Marko calls Antonelli a deserving champion
Marko has been particularly impressed by the way Antonelli has established himself against Russell, who entered the season with expectations of challenging for the championship.
“He’s a deserving world champion. He was mostly in the best car, but that’s part of it too. And he had a strong teammate who was actually the favorite. And he clearly dominated him. He had some luck with the safety car and technical issues, but that evens out over a season. So for me, a very worthy world champion,” Marko said.
The Austrian’s assessment reflects the significance of Antonelli’s performances against an experienced teammate. While Mercedes’ competitiveness has helped put the Italian in contention, Marko believes his ability to outperform Russell has demonstrated that he deserves the success.
Antonelli’s personality has also caught Marko’s attention, with the former Red Bull adviser praising the enthusiasm he displays after victories.
“It’s delightful to see the youthful joy and mischievousness with which he gets out of the car after a victory. And yes, it’s incredibly positive for Formula 1.”
Russell faces a difficult championship setback
While Antonelli’s rise has been one of the season’s major stories, Russell faces the prospect of losing his position as Mercedes’ leading championship contender.
Marko believes the British driver has suffered a significant psychological blow as Antonelli has established himself at the front of the team.
“It’s certainly a huge mental setback and a blow. Russell is no longer the number one rider. That position has clearly been taken over by Antonelli,” Marko said.
The Austrian nevertheless acknowledged Russell’s ability, describing him as “one of the top drivers”. However, he questioned whether the 28-year-old would receive another realistic opportunity to fight for the championship.
“I doubt whether he will ever have another chance at the World Championship or whether he will achieve number 1 status anywhere.”
A changing generation in Formula 1
Vettel’s record has stood for more than 15 years, but Antonelli’s emergence highlights how early drivers are now being developed and introduced to Formula 1.
The Mercedes youngster has already demonstrated the speed and composure needed to compete at the highest level, and a championship victory would cement his place in the sport’s history.
For Vettel, losing the record would be another example of Formula 1 moving forward. For Antonelli, it would represent a remarkable milestone at the beginning of what could become a long career at the top of motorsport.
Whether the record falls in Austin or later in the season, the possibility of a new youngest world champion underlines just how quickly the next generation is making its mark.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
