Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel sent an emotional message to Kimi Antonelli after the Italian became the sports' youngest-ever champion at 20 years old on Sunday.
The German, now retired, was the previous youngest F1 champion. He won his first title at 23 years, 134 days in 2010 with Red Bull.
"Kimi, congratulations. World champion. Only very few of us manage to achieve that. And nobody has done it as young as you," Vettel said in a video message published by F1 on X.
"You're curious, you listen, you learn fast. You're fearless. Your driving has been very clean and controlled, yet on the limit when it needed to be. You understood that you can only control what you can control," the German added.
Vettel said that, when he won his first title, "it all seemed to happen the moment I crossed the finish line." He was overwhelmed and felt like it was impossible to reflect on what he had just done.
"I didn't sleep properly for days. So be prepared," Vettel warned.
"But I remember the feeling once it sank in. Holding the world championship trophy in my hands and reading all the other champions' names. I felt proud and satisfied."
"I realized the best part wasn't crossi...