Race and classic pictures

When you're good enough, you're old enough!

On this day in 2008, Formula 1 saw a spring chicken named Sebastian Vettel become the youngest ever winner of a Grand Prix.

At 21 years and 74 days, driving for Toro Rosso, Vettel was as skillful and proficient as a seasoned veteran in the Italian GP's tricky and wet conditions at Monza.

The young German stormed off from pole - which was already an incredible feat in itself - and never looked back, finishing 12.5 seconds clear of McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen.

The performance also stood out as Toro Rosso's first F1 triumph and podium in the sport, with Pierre Gasly adding a second win to the Faenza-based squad's track record 12 years later, again at Monza.

Twenty-eight years on from Vettel's milestone achievement, Seb stands just third in the ranks of the sport's youngest winner, having been beaten in 2016 by Max Verstappen at 18 years, 228 days, and also by Kimi Antonelli earlier this year, at 19 years, 202 days.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Herta clings to F1 dream despite disastrous F2 campaign

Colton Herta's Formula 1 ambitions have taken a serious beating in Formula 2, but the…

3 hours ago

Hadjar feels ‘very, very lucky’ to have Verstappen as benchmark

It’s undeniable that Isack Hadjar has one of the most intimidating reference points in Formula…

4 hours ago

Mika Hakkinen bows out in fashion from Formula 1

McLaren's Mika Hakkinen conquered his 20th and final F1 win on this day at the…

6 hours ago

F1 frenemies kick back together in paradise

Ahead of Formula 1’s highly anticipated return to Sepang, a tight-knit crew of grid rivals—including…

7 hours ago

Mercedes tackles Sepang with special livery and major upgrades

Formula 1 is swinging back into Southeast Asia this week, and Mercedes is pulling out…

7 hours ago

Binotto sees Audi F1 seat for Slater ‘sooner or later’

Audi junior Freddie Slater may have only just finished his first Formula 3 campaign, but…

8 hours ago