F1 Drivers Age - How Old Are F1 Drivers?

Updated: 12.05.25

Ever wondered how old Formula 1 drivers are as they race at top speeds? From young talents to seasoned veterans, let’s explore the diverse age range of F1 drivers in 2025.

1. How Old Are F1 Drivers in 2025?

The average age of F1 drivers in 2025 is projected at 27 years, a slight dip from 27.6 in 2024, with a range from 18 to 43 years. This reflects a mix of youthful rookies and experienced veterans.

F1 Driver Ages in 2025

Related: What Age Is Too Late to Be an F1 Driver?

2. Youth Revolution: Drivers Under 25

Andrea Kimi Antonelli: 18 Years Old

Antonelli, at 18, is the youngest on the grid, marking a youth revolution alongside Oliver Bearman as the first teenagers in F1 since 2017.

Oliver Bearman: 19 Years Old

Bearman, at 19, joins Antonelli, bringing fresh energy and highlighting F1’s trend of nurturing young talent early.

20-Year-Olds: Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto

These 20-year-olds represent the new wave of rookies, contributing to a younger grid in 2025.

22-Year-Old: Jack Doohan

Doohan, at 22, adds to the youthful contingent, showcasing the sport’s investment in emerging stars.

23-Year-Old: Oscar Piastri

Piastri continues to impress at 23, a rising star with sharp skills and a fearless approach.

24-Year-Olds: Yuki Tsunoda and Logan Sargeant

Tsunoda and Sargeant bring distinct styles, navigating the pressure to establish themselves in F1.

25-Year-Olds: Lando Norris and Zhou Guanyu

Norris and Zhou add maturity to the young group, balancing speed with growing tactical awareness.

3. In Their Prime: Drivers Aged 25–35

27-Year-Olds: Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell

Verstappen, Leclerc, and Russell are at the peak of their early careers, known for fierce rivalries and exceptional skill.

28-Year-Old: Esteban Ocon

Ocon combines experience with agility, making him a consistent performer in midfield battles.

29-Year-Olds: Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon

Gasly and Albon bring a mix of innovation and strategy, proving their worth with every race.

30s Group: Kevin Magnussen (32)

Magnussen leverages his experience for tactical brilliance, balancing speed with smart decision-making.

Related: The 7 Steps to the F1 Drivers Academy

4. Veteran Drivers: Over 35

Lewis Hamilton: 40 Years Old

Hamilton continues to dominate with strategic mastery, showing age doesn’t hinder greatness.

Fernando Alonso: 43 Years Old

Alonso, the oldest at 43, is the last driver from the V10 era (ended 2005), proving experience is invaluable with consistent tactical brilliance.

Related: How to Get Into F1 as a Fan

5. Age vs. Experience: Impact on Performance

Age and Hazard Perception

Older drivers like Alonso may have slower hazard perception, leading to cautious strategies, while younger drivers react faster, as studies show.

Age and Driving Performance

Younger drivers like Verstappen excel in quick decisions and overtaking, while veterans rely on experience, per research on reaction times.

Age and Technology Comfort

Younger drivers adapt better to tech like advanced power units, giving them an edge in modern F1 cars.

Age and Tech Acceptance

Older drivers may resist fully automated systems, potentially impacting competitiveness in tech-heavy races.

Age and Driving Habits

Younger drivers often take risks, leading to thrilling but sometimes costly moves, while veterans play it safer.

6. Historical Age Trends in F1

Average Age Over Time

The average F1 driver age dropped from 32 in the 1960s–90s to 27.6 in 2024, reflecting a shift toward younger talent.

Retirement Age

Many drivers retire around 36–37, with over half choosing this age to step away, according to studies.

Youngest and Oldest Drivers Ever

Max Verstappen debuted at 17, the youngest ever, while Louis Chiron raced at 55, the oldest, showcasing F1’s age diversity.

7. Factors Shaping the 2025 Grid Age

Youth Revolution

A wave of young drivers like Antonelli and Bearman lowers the average age, marking the first time since 2017 with two teenagers on the grid.

Retirements of Experienced Drivers

The exit of veterans like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas after 2024 has opened doors for younger talent, contributing to a younger grid.

Veterans Extending Careers

Drivers like Alonso and Hamilton continue racing into their 40s, balancing the age distribution with their experience.

Age adds a fascinating layer to F1, blending youth and experience. Dive deeper into the sport at RiiRoo.com!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal age to start a career in Formula 1?

Most F1 drivers start karting between 8–14 years, with some as young as 4–5, building essential skills early for a shot at F1.

Do older F1 drivers have advantages over younger ones?

Older drivers bring experience and strategy, often with better resources, but younger drivers excel with raw talent and modern training.

How do F1 teams decide their driver line-ups?

Teams balance experience, success, and finances, often designating a lead driver like Verstappen at Red Bull in 2024, per contracts.

How has technology affected F1 driver age demographics?

Safer tech like advanced materials and seatbelts extends careers, benefiting older drivers without drastically shifting age demographics.