Kimi Antonelli joined an exclusive club when he captured his first career Formula 1 victory in the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix.
At 19 years, 6 months and 18 days old, the Bologna, Italy, native became the youngest pole-sitter in Formula 1 history, breaking Sebastian Vettel‘s record that stood for 18 years. Vettel was 21 years, 2 months and 11 days when he became the youngest driver to take the top spot in qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix in 2008.
After grabbing the pole, Antonelli beat Mercedes teammate George Russell and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to the checkered flag, becoming the second-youngest race winner in Formula 1 history. The only driver standing above the fresh-faced wunderkind on the list of the class’s youngest race winners is Max Verstappen.
Check out the list of the youngest race winners in Formula 1 history below.
Max Verstappen
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Age: 18 years, 7 months and 15 days
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Race: 2016 Spanish Grand Prix
Kimi Antonelli
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Age: 19 years, 6 months and 18 days
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Race: 2026 Chinese Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel
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Age: 21 years, 2 months and 11 days
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Race: 2008 Italian Grand Prix
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Age: 21 years, 10 months and 16 days
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Race: 2019 Belgian Grand Prix
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Age: 22 years, 2 months and 19 days
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Race: 1952 Indianapolis 500
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Age: 22 years, 3 months and 12 days
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Race: 1959 United States Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton
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Age: 22 years, 5 months and 3 days
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Race: 2007 Canadian Grand Prix
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Age: 23 years, 3 months and 15 days
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Race: 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix
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Age: 23 years, 5 months and 6 days
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Race: 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix
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