Sebastian Vettel, who became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in 2010, sent his congratulation to Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has taken the record from him.

“Kimi, congratulations,” said Vettel in a social media video. “World champion, campione del mundo. Wow.

“Only very few of us manage to achieve that, and nobody has done it as young as you. You are curious, you listen, you learn fast, you are 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. You have a unique drive, and we enjoy watching you.”

Vettel won his first world championship title in the final race of 2010. He went into the title-decider behind Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber in the standings, and came out on top in a stunning conclusion to the championship.

“When I won my first title, it all seemed to happen the moment I crossed the finish line,” said Vettel. “I was overwhelmed. I got out of the car and the world around me was racing at full speed. It was like a rush. It was impossible to reflect. I didn’t sleep properly for days, so be prepared.

“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 realised the best part wasn’t crossing the line that decided the title. It was all the races that led up to it. It is never the one race that matters. It is all the races we do. Every race shapes us. And with all that’s about to happen in the coming weeks, I’m sure you will soon feel the drive to race again. As in the bigger picture, there’s still a race to win.

“Lastly, a piece of advice. Great achievements might change the way people look at you, but you don’t have to change the way you look at people. Now go on and enjoy it. Un abbraccio forte [a big hug], Sebastian. Ciao.”

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