5 youngest Formula One race winners

The first Formula One season was held in the year 1950 and in the inaugural year, all races were held in Europe only. The first race was held at the Silverstone Circuit in England and Giuseppe Farina of Team Alfa Romeo won the race.

He would go on to win the Drivers Championship that year, winning 3 out of 7 races. Drivers belonging to 21 different countries have won Formula One races over the years with Great Britain leading the pack with 274 wins. 76 distinct drivers have taken the chequered flag. We take a look at the 5 youngest Formula One Grand Prix winners :

#5 Bruce McLaren

Bruce McLaren

The founder of The McLaren Formula One Team, New Zealander Bruce McLaren was the jack of all trades. He was a driver, designer and an engineer. His life is an inspiration to many drivers, engineers and technicians across all motorsport racing. McLaren won his first Formula One race at the 1959 United States Grand Prix at the age of 22 years, 104 days. He would also win the 24 hours race at Le Mans.

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#4 Troy Ruttman

Troy Ruttman

The eldest of the famous Ruttman brothers, Troy Ruttman is the youngest winner of the Indianapolis 500 race till date. He won the race in 1952 at the age of 22 years, 80 days. From 1950 - 1960, Indianapolis 500 also counted toward the World Drivers Championship (now known as Formula One). He was the first Indianapolis 500 winner to participate in Formula One races outside Indianapolis.

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#3 Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso and Flavio Briatore

Fernando Alonso's debut season was with Minardi in 2001. He moved to Renault and was a test driver there for a couple of seasons following which he was promoted to lead driver of the team.

Fernando Alonso won his first race at the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix when he was 22 years, 26 days old. He would become the youngest Formula One World Champion in 2005. This record was later eclipsed by Sebastian Vettel in 2010. He went on to successfully defend his title in 2006.

#2 Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix

Making his debut in 2007 driving for Team BMW Sauber, German Sebastian Vettel was destined for greatness. After switching over to Team Toro Rosso, Vettel became the youngest pole-sitter and race winner at the time when he won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

He was 21 years, 73 days old when he won The 2008 Italian Grand Prix. His ascent to greatness, however, began in 2010 when he was crowned the youngest ever Formula One World Champion. He forged a successful partnership with Red Bull winning the Drivers Championship and at the same time helping Red Bull win the Constructors Championship on 4 consecutive occasions.

#1 Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen with the 2016 Spanish F1 Grand Prix trophy

The youngest driver to compete in a Formula One race, Max Verstappen was still a minor when he participated in the 2015 Australian Grand Prix. Son of former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen, Max is a prodigious talent who is destined to leave a mark in Formula One.

Already the holder of many records, Max is the youngest driver to lead a race, the youngest to score points, and the youngest to win a race. He won his first race driving for Team Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. He was only 18 years, 228 days at the time making him the only teenager in the Sport's history to coast to victory.