Kimi Antonelli: Sebastian Vettel's messages 'make a difference' in title charge

Kimi Antonelli has revealed Sebastian Vettel messages him before and after every grand prix, saying the four-time champion's support "makes a difference" as he closes in on Vettel's record as F1's youngest champion.

Antonelli left the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring with an 81-point lead over Mercedes team-mate George Russell. If he converts that into the drivers' title, the 20-year-old would take the record Vettel has held since 2010.

Why it matters:

Vettel has already said he would be delighted, not bitter, if Antonelli broke the mark, insisting records exist to be broken. Instead of guarding his place in history, one of F1's most respected figures is actively cheering for the driver chasing it.

The details:

• Antonelli says Vettel messages him before and after every race weekend.
• "Seb is incredible, and he is a friend of mine. He always sends some messages after every race weekend, and even before some of them," he said.
• "It's great to see so much support from him and so much appreciation as well. They make a little difference going into a weekend, or even after."
• The relationship goes back to Antonelli's childhood, when he cheered for Vettel alongside Ayrton Senna.

What's next:

With a commanding lead and Mercedes making progress, Antonelli's focus is on converting the championship advantage. If he does, Vettel may lose a record — but the messages suggest he will be among the first to congratulate the new youngest champion.