On a day like today, August 24, 2003, Fernando Alonso made history in the Formula 1 World Championship. The Asturian driver, recently landed in the Renault team, achieved his first victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix (with pole also included) . He did it when he was only 22 years old.
At that time, with 22 years and 26 days, Fernando Alonso became the youngest driver in history to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The victory had more merit if possible, since he beat Michael Schumacher and Ferrari on the track, an almost invincible duo during that stage.
It did not stop there, since a few months before (specifically in March) Alonso also broke another record in the Malaysian Grand Prix. Still 21 years old, he was the youngest competitor to achieve a pole position. What would come shortly after, in 2005 and 2006, will be remembered by all fans forever.
2003 was a perfect season for Fernando Alonso and for Renault who, as a team, had not won a Grand Prix since Alain Prost did it in Austria on August 14, 1983. Patrick Faure, president of Renault F1 Team at the time, said earlier in the season that they hoped to “get some podiums” and start fighting for victory in 2004.
Who has those records today?
Max Verstappen holds the record for the earliest winner since his triumph at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. Aboard Red Bull, at just 18 years 228 days, Verstappen managed to win as a rookie in a team where he still defends his honor to today.
Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, both 21 years old, have also surpassed Fernando Alonso since that magical year 2003. Curiously, they all share the grid (and also in different teams) in the exciting 2021 season that we are experiencing.
As for the youngest poleman, Sebastian Vettel is still in first place. The German worked magic at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix, scoring the fastest time and victory aboard the Toro Rosso. He did it with 21 years and 72 days. Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso, also of the same age, complete the provisional podium.
