The 11 Youngest World Champions in Formula 1 History

Prodigies who lifted the crown before most drivers hit their prime, from the sport's earliest wonderkids to its modern record-breakers. Who is the greatest of the young champions?

1

Max Verstappen

Sealed a dramatic first title at 24 in the 2021 Abu Dhabi finale.

1000pts

2

Kimi Raikkonen

Ferrari's ice-cool 2007 champion who took the title by a point.

785pts

3

Ayrton Senna

Won the first of three titles with McLaren in 1988.

700pts

4

Michael Schumacher

Won the first of seven titles at 25 with Benetton in 1994.

409pts

5

Niki Lauda

Ferrari's cerebral 1975 champion, crowned at the age of 26.

409pts

6

Nico Rosberg

Beat Hamilton to the 2016 crown, then retired days later.

409pts

7

Sebastian Vettel

Formula 1's youngest ever champion, crowned at 23 with Red Bull in 2010.

300pts

8

Lewis Hamilton

Took his first title at 23 in 2008, the youngest champion of his time.

300pts

9

Fernando Alonso

Became the youngest champion then, aged 24, with Renault in 2005.

300pts

10

Jacques Villeneuve

Williams driver who took the 1997 crown in his second season.

167pts

11

Jim Clark

Lotus great and 1963 champion, widely rated among the finest ever.

167pts