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      Who are the youngest F1 drivers in history?

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      KIDS with fast cars… surely this cannot be a good idea.But in F1, it has always been a key part of introducing new superstars to the sport.
      Yuki Tsunoda is the next young star to be introduced to the F1 paddock this seasonCredit: Rex
      A fresh-faced 17-year-old Max Verstappen at Red BullCredit: AFP
      AlphaTauri starlet Yuki Tsunoda is the youngest of the current pack, and is the only current Formula One driver born in the 2000s, having been born on May 11, 2000.
      That means he will end the 2021 F1 season having turned 21.
      The five youngest drivers to start an F1 Grand Prix race is a star-studded list, featuring current stars such as current world champion Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Lance Stroll.
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      Who are the youngest F1 racing drivers?
      When Verstappen drove his Toro Rosso off the mark in the 2015 Australian Grand Prix, he was not old enough to drive a car in his home country the Netherlands, he is still the youngest driver to start an F1 race.

      Max Verstappen. 17 years, 166 days. Debut: 2015 Australian Grand Prix.
      Lance Stroll. 18 years, 148 days. Debut: 2017 Australian Grand Prix.
      Lando Norris. 19 years, 124 days. Debut: 2019 Australian Grand Prix.
      Jaime Alguersuari. 19 years, 125 days. Debut: 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix
      Mike Thackwell. 19 years, 182 days. Debut: 1980 Canadian Grand Prix.

      Who is the youngest F1 world champion?
      Sebastian Vettel remains the youngest F1 world champion, winning a grand finale in 2010, but he almost did it a year younger as he finished second to Jenson Button in 2009, by just 11 points.

      Sebastian Vettel, 2010. 23 years, 134 days.
      Lewis Hamilton, 2008. 23 years, 300 days.
      Fernando Alonso, 2005. 24 years, 59 days.
      Max Verstappen, 2021. 24 years, 68 days.
      Emerson Fittipaldi, 1972. 25 years, 303 days.

      Who is the youngest F1 race winner?
      Verstappen takes this one too.
      After his debut season driving in a Toro Rosso, Red Bull promoted the Dutchman into their premium seat at the expense of Daniil Kvyat.

      Max Verstappen. 18 years, 228 days. 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
      Sebastian Vettel. 21 years, 228 days. 2008 Italian Grand Prix.
      Charles Leclerc. 21 years, 320 days. 2019 Belgian Grand Prix.
      Fernando Alonso. 22 years, 26 days. 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix.
      Tony Ruttman. 22 years, 80 days. 1952 Indianapolis 500.

      šŸ F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info

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      Who is the youngest F1 driver to get a podium?
      You guessed it, super Max.
      His aforementioned race win in the Spanish Grand Prix also made him the youngest F1 podium sitter in Formula 1 history.
      His record was almost beaten by Lance Stroll, but the American missed out by 11 days.

      Max Verstappen. 18 years, 228 days. 2016 Spanish GP.
      Lance Stroll. 18 years, 239 days. 2017 Azerbaijan GP.
      Lando Norris. 20 years, 235 days. 2020 Austrian GP.
      Sebastian Vettel. 21 years, 73 days. 2008 Italian GP.
      Daniil Kvyat. 21 years, 91 days. 2015 Hungarian GP. More

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      Lewis Hamilton considering extending F1 career beyond next season as Mercedes star says ā€˜Iā€™m still on a missionā€™ at 37

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed he is considering extending his F1 career beyond next season.The Mercedes star has a contract until the end of 2023 but has vowed that he is “still on a mission”.
      Lewis Hamilton is regarded as one of the best drivers of all time but is now among the oldest on the gridCredit: Splash
      Hamilton has faced two of the most topsy-turvy seasons of his career in recent times.
      Last year he locked horns with Max Verstappen in an extraordinarily intense title battle that saw crashes, controversy and drama on the very last lap of the last race of the season.
      And this season he has found himself in an uncompetitive Mercedes car which has tested the 37-year-old in all new ways.
      But the seven-times world champion has made clear that he’s still up for the fight and could well keep driving beyond 2023.
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      Hamilton told Vanity Fair: “Iā€™ll be lying if I said that I hadnā€™t thought about extending.
      “Iā€™m still on the mission, Iā€™m still loving driving, Iā€™m still being challenged by it.
      “So I donā€™t really feel like I have to give it up any time soon.
      “Iā€™m built different. I mean, I was built for this. It reminds me that people still donā€™t know me.
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      “Even after all these years. People still donā€™t know. So, all right, Iā€™ll prove you wrong again.”
      Hamilton also reflected on the heartbreak of last year, when Max Verstappen overtook him on the final lap at Abu Dhabi to take the World Championship.
      The moment was mired in controversy after the now departed race director Michael Masi was found to have not followed race procedure correctly, leading to the final lap shoot-out.
      Hamilton said: “I donā€™t know if I can really put into words the feeling that I had. I do remember just sitting there just in disbelief.
      “And realising Iā€™ve got to undo my belts, Iā€™ve got to get out of there, Iā€™ve got to climb out of this thing, Iā€™ve got to find the strength. I had no strength.
      “And it was one of the toughest moments, I would say, that Iā€™ve had in a long, long time.”

      After a difficult start to the season, the Mercedes car has gone from strength to strength and Hamilton has finished on the podium in the last five races.
      He is now enjoying some well-earned time off during the F1 season break – and keeping himself busy in interesting ways.
      Not long after being pictured riding an electric jet surfboard, the star arrived in Africa to trace his roots. More

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      Lewis Hamilton spending summer F1 break tracing roots through Africa as Mercedes star starts tour in stunning Namibia

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is spending Formula 1’s summer break tracing his roots in Africa.The Mercedes star has enjoyed much-improved fortunes in recent weeks, taking his place on the podium in five consecutive races.
      Lewis Hamilton has been enjoying his summer holidayCredit: @lewishamilton
      The 37-year-old poses in the desertCredit: @lewishamilton
      Hamilton has been keen to explore his roots in AfricaCredit: @lewishamilton
      Now that the summer holiday has arrived he’s also riding high off the track – exploring the stunning scenery of Namibia.
      As he shared a number of stunning pictures on Instagram, the seven-time world champion wrote: “This year Iā€™m spending my summer break doing something Iā€™ve wanted to do for years.
      “Iā€™m finally tracing my roots through Africa and guys, to say this journey has been a grounding experience is an understatement.
      “This has been a life changing reset. I feel like I have gained a new perspective on life, grown an even stronger love for animals and became even closer with my brothers who Iā€™ve shared this special journey with.
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      “Everywhere I look Iā€™m surrounded by so much beauty, and I feel truly re-centred and at peace.
      “My first stop was Namibia, one of the most stunning places Iā€™ve ever seen with my own eyes. Words and pictures do not do it justice.
      “The hot air balloon ride was surreal.
      “We had to land sideways which is definitely something Iā€™ll never forget.
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      “I could not think of a better place to spend this time off. Sending everyone peace and light, Iā€™m off to the next stop.”
      Hamilton, 37, posed for snaps in the desert in the South West African country.
      He recently hit the waves on a Ā£20,000 electric jet-surfboard.
      The British hero shared a video of himself in his swimming trunks riding on the incredible piece of kit alongside MotoGP pal Fabio Quartararo.
      Hamilton isn’t back in F1 action until August 28, when the F1 season gets back up and running in Spa.
      The seven-time world champion is back in action on August 28Credit: @lewishamilton
      He shared his snaps with his 29.4million followersCredit: @lewishamilton
      Hamilton reflected on his brilliant tripCredit: @lewishamilton More

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      Lewis Hamiltonā€™s Mercedes team-mate George Russell looks unrecognisable as cute schoolkid in cute throwback photo

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      MERCEDES have shared an adorable picture of George Russell as a young boy.The 24-year-old racer moved from Williams for the start of the 2022 season and currently leads team-mate Lewis Hamilton by 12 points in the drivers’ championship.
      Russell has made an impressive start to his time at MercedesCredit: Getty
      But years before his F1 career began, the British driver was rocking a cute fringe and light blonde hair.
      Mercedes posted the throwback snap on Instagram alongside some more recent pictures.
      And they added the caption: “George William Russell. šŸ™ The glow up. šŸ”„.”
      Fans of the British driver were loving the photo of a young Russell from back in the day.
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      This picture of Russell as a kid was shared by Mercedes on social mediaCredit: George Russell Instagram
      One person said: “Little George is adorable,” while another added: “The legend RussellšŸ”„šŸ”„šŸ”„”.
      And a third social media user said: “Mercedes admin knows whatā€™s up ā¤ļø”.
      Russell has already secured five podiums so far this season, although he is yet to finish in the top two.
      The former Williams driver had a healthy lead over seven-time champion Hamilton a couple of months ago.
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      But Hamilton, 37, has come roaring back with five podiums in a row – including back-to-back second places in France and Hungary before the summer break.
      Meanwhile, Russell came out earlier this week and accused rivals Ferrari and Red Bull of “pushing F1 rules”.
      He told Sky Sports: “Spa is going to be interesting. There are some changes to some of the regulations which may bring other teams towards us.
      “I think we as a team have a lot of confidence in ourselves and faith that we are doing a great job and there’s no reason we can’t be in the mix.
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      “There is no doubt Ferrari and Red Bull have pushed the regulations in that regard and we have respected it as the regulation was intended.
      “There’s no guarantee that it would bring them closer to us. We know if it was on our car it would make us slower.
      “There’s no guarantees, every car is different but it’s not going to help them that’s for sure.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton could be left with BRAIN DAMAGE due to porpoising Mercedes, according to shock Toto Wolff claims

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      LEWIS HAMILTON could be left with brain damage because of his porpoising Mercedes, according to Toto Wolff. The Mercedes team have struggled with their cars bouncing all season, leading to the eight-times Constructors’ Champions to be off the pace of their rivals.
      Despite their issues with bouncing, the Mercedes team – spearhead by Wolff and Hamilton – are growing strongerCredit: Splash
      But in recent weeks the gap has closed as the grid headed to “smoother” tracks, with Hamilton on a run of five consecutive podiums.
      The new 2022 regulations has seen porpoising become an issue at Mercedes and affect other teams on the grid.
      And Wolff warned the situation was not safe for drivers.
      He told reporters: “I still believe that the FIA and all of us must do something about it.
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      “Frequencies of 1 to 1 hertz that last for a few minutes can cause brain damage. We have 6 to 7 hertz for several hours.”
      Rule tweaks are set to come into place after F1’s summer break for the Belgian Grand Prix.
      The changes from the governing body the FIA should see porpoising restrained and could close what some see as loopholes in the new regulations.
      Not all teams are happy about these changes, with the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull, who have largely gotten on top of the bouncing, potentially losing their speed advantage.
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      Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has signalled his discomfort for these changes, and said he “didnā€™t see any issues” with porpoising over the last few races.
      Wolff has rejected the comments of his former rival.
      He hit back: ā€œThat [argument] doesn’t count because Silverstone, Paul Ricard and Austria aren’t exactly tracks we bounce that much on anyway.
      “I don’t want to come to Spa or some of the later races where the track isn’t as smooth as a conventional racetrack and we didn’t do anything about it.
      “There is all this talk about lobbying in both directions, but what are we talking about here anyway?ā€
      Further rule changes could come in from 2023 to raise the floors of the cars, according to some reports.
      Horner was also not happy with that idea.
      He added: “So I think there just needs to be a common-sense solution, not rewriting the rulebook for next year at a point of the year, with budget caps where they are, which is just too late.
      “I think itā€™s actually an even bigger issue for some of the smaller teams that quite simply wouldnā€™t have the resources to be able to react.” More

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      How F1 could look in 2023 after transfer blitz with Albon extending with Williams and Ricciardo set for Alpine return

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL’S shock retirement announcement last week has set off a chaotic chain reaction in Formula 1.Next season’s grid could look very different, with plenty of teams looking to shuffle their lineups.
      Sebastian Vettel announced his upcoming retirement last weekCredit: Rex
      Daniel Ricciardo may find himself looking over his shoulderCredit: Rex
      Some new rookies will arrive in the paddock, while more experienced drivers may look for a better seat elsewhere.
      Others find themselves looking over their shoulders, desperate to stay in Formula 1 altogether.
      As the drama begins to unfold, let’s take a look at all the potential movers and shakers.
      ALPINE CHAOS
      What we know for sure is that Fernando Alonso has ditched Alpine to replace Vettel at Aston Martin.
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      After being comfortably outscored by team-mate Esteban Ocon so far this season, the veteran two-time world champion feels that he will fare better elsewhere.
      The 41-year-old has agreed a multi-season contract worth Ā£25million-a-year with Lawrence Stroll’s team.
      Alonso’s sudden defection left Alpine in the lurch, with boss Otmar Szafnauer only learning of the Spaniard’s decision via Aston Martin’s press release.
      This prompted Alpine, who had expected Alonso to extend his deal, to hastily announce that reserve driver and former F2 winner Oscar Piastri would be promoted into the seat alongside Ocon next year.
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      But in a sensational twist, Piastri DENIED the agreement, tweeting: “I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year.
      “This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.”
      It is understood that Piastri, 21, will join McLaren – who already have two drivers contracted themselves.
      With Lando Norris on a long-term contract and performing well, Daniel Ricciardo is the obvious candidate to be given the boot at the end of this year.
      The Aussie has been bullish that his McLaren contract is secure, but the team themselves may believe that they have other options.
      Should he be axed by McLaren, Ricciardo may make a remarkable return to Alpine.
      The Aussie raced for the French team in the 2019 and 2020 campaigns – finishing fifth in the driver standings in his second year.
      Elsewhere on the grid – Ferrari have complete stability, at least on the driver side, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both locked in.
      ANOTHER CRACK AT EIGHT?
      Over at Mercedes, George Russell is tied down to a long-term deal, although Lewis Hamilton is set to be out of contract at the end of the 2023 season.
      The seven-time world champion was surrounded by retirement rumours during the last off season, but he currently appears as dedicated and focused as ever.
      Following Vettel’s retirement decision, Hamilton said: “I’m still fresh and still feel I’ve got plenty of fuel left in the tank. Of course, I want to get back to winning ways and that’s going to take time. I’m sure we’ll sit down at some stage and talk about the future.
      “I’m enjoying what I’m doing, and feel really proud working with this incredible group of people. I’m also enjoying working with the sport more than ever. We’ve got some great people leading the sport, we’re having great conversations about the direction we’re going in.”
      ONE TO WATCH
      Max Verstappen is locked in at Red Bull until 2028, while Sergio Perez recently extended his own deal to 2024 – although Red Bull have been rumoured to be keeping tabs on Haas’ Mick Schumacher.
      The German is set to be out of contract at the end of this season, although it’s expected he will stay alongside Kevin Magnussen next term.
      ALBON STAYS
      Williams announced yesterday that Alex Albon has agreed to extend his contract through 2023, with the former Red Bull star parodying Piastri’s tweet in his announcement.
      He’ll likely have a new partner, however, with Nicholas Latifi on increasingly thin ice.
      Mercedes reserve Nyck de Vries is viewed as a potential contender to take the Canadian’s seat.

      ANY OTHER BUSINESS
      Over at Alfa Romeo, Valtteri Bottas is locked into a long-term contract.
      Rookie Zhou Guanyu’s deal is up at the end of the season, but the Chinese driver has shown enough to suggest that he’ll likely be given an extension.
      Pierre Gasly is down for another year at AlphaTauri, although Yuki Tsunoda may be sweating as his deal expires at the end of this campaign.
      The Japanese 22-year-old has shown some signs of improvement this year, and may just about manage to keep his seat.
      Meanwhile, Lance Stroll will partner Alonso at Aston Martin.
      Lewis Hamilton is feeling good at MercedesCredit: AFP
      Alex Albon is staying at WilliamsCredit: Getty
      Most of the grid’s best drivers are locked in for next yearCredit: Rex More

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      Lewis Hamiltonā€™s Mercedes team-mate George Russell SLAMS Ferrari and Red Bull ā€“ accusing them of ā€˜pushing F1 rulesā€™

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has accused Mercedes’ rivals Ferrari and Red Bull of “pushing F1 rules”.The Silver Arrows new boy has produced a consistent season, but neither he nor Lewis Hamilton have been able to compete with the likes of Max Verstappen or Charles Leclerc for wins for much of it.
      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have been more competitive in recent weeksCredit: Rex
      Red Bull and Ferrari have ‘pushed’ rules, claims George RussellCredit: Rex
      Mercedes have narrowed the gap in recent weeks, with Hamilton collecting five consecutive podiums.
      And Russell, 24, believes that his team will be even more competitive in the second half of the season when new FIA technical directives are finally introduced from the Belgian GP onwards.
      The new rules had been intended to be rolled out last month, only to be delayed following a backlash from the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull.
      FIA chiefs have been keen to combat “porpoising”, as they look to protect the safety of drivers.
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      Russell reckons that things are about to heat up, telling Sky Sports: “Spa is going to be interesting.
      “There are some changes to some of the regulations which may bring other teams towards us.
      “I think we as a team have a lot of confidence in ourselves and faith that we are doing a great job and there’s no reason we can’t be in the mix.
      “There is no doubt Ferrari and Red Bull have pushed the regulations in that regard and we have respected it as the regulation was intended.
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      “There’s no guarantee that it would bring them closer to us. We know if it was on our car it would make us slower.
      “There’s no guarantees, every car is different but it’s not going to help them that’s for sure.”
      Red Bull chief Christian Horner hit back: “Ferrari still has a quick car and Mercedes are coming back at us. Maybe we don’t need to TD in Spa.

      “The technical directive has no effect on us. We need quick clarification on what the rules are for 2023. I hope as early as this week.
      “It’s ten past midnight for next year and Cinderella has already left.”
      The Formula 1 season has entered its summer break, with action to return at the Belgian Grand Prix later this month.
      Christian Horner is supremely confidentCredit: Getty More

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      ā€˜Disgusting, not acceptableā€™ ā€“ Max Verstappen slams F1 fans who burned Lewis Hamilton merchandise at Hungary Grand Prix

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has slammed F1 fans who allegedly burned Lewis Hamilton merchandise at the Hungary Grand Prix.One Twitter user posted a video which claimed to show supporters of the Dutchman setting alight goods from his rival’s brand.
      Verstappen and Hamilton’s rivalry appears to have cooled this season after their furious Championship battleCredit: Getty
      Hamilton and Verstappen played out a dramatic and heated rivalry last season in a Championship fight which saw multiple flashpoints.
      With their respective Mercedes and Red Bull teams no longer competing as directly this season, the tension has cooled.
      But much ill-feeling remains between the online fan bases, especially after the season concluded in controversial fashion in Abu Dhabi.
      The video circulating from the weekend allegedly shows Verstappen fans burning Hamilton merchandise.
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      But the world champion spoke out against those who are claimed to have been involved.
      Verstappen, 24, told reporters after the race: “Thatā€™s of course not acceptable.
      “I mean, these individualsā€¦ No, I definitely donā€™t agree with that because thatā€™s just disgusting.
      “But overall, I think the majority of the fans which also were cheering a lot, I think throughout the race and also on the podium for every driver, I think thatā€™s how it should be.
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      “And yeah, those videos, or video, of burning merch I think thatā€™s disgusting.”
      A group of people can be seen in the viral tweet, with one visibly wearing a Red Bull shirt and others wearing the orange shirt that is associated with Verstappen’s passionate Dutch following.
      At the centre of the group is a man holding a burning object, which the Twitter user who posted the video claimed was “Hamilton merch”.
      The alleged incident comes weeks after the Austrian Grand Prix where there were allegations of sexist, racist, and homophobic abuse from fans.
      Verstappen won the Hungarian Grand Prix after starting 10th on the grid.
      After a mechanical issue in qualifying, he had to make his way up the grid and won the race despite losing the lead after spinning.
      With neither Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz ending up on the podium, more questions have been raised about Ferrari’s strategy. More