The FIA has received a request for an exemption for Kimi Antonelli to drive in F1 before the legal age
The Italian pilot, a member of the Mercedes junior program, is not yet eligible for the super license to become a regular in Formula 1.
Aged 17 (he was born on August 25, 2006), Andrea Kimi Antonelli still has to wait a few more months to obtain his super license, an essential document in order to be eligible for a full-time driver seat in Formula 1.
Since Max Verstappen’s arrival in F1 in 2015 at the age of 17, the FIA has decided to introduce an age limit, 18 years, for all drivers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. In addition to this, they must accumulate a minimum total of points obtained in lower categories.
With four victories in four different championships over the past two years, Andrea Kimi Antonelli already has enough points to make his debut in F1. The Italian, a member of the Mercedes junior program since 2019, is thus among the potential replacements for Lewis Hamilton at the Silver Arrows next year.
Why rush things instead of patiently waiting for 2025?
In recent weeks, the current 9th in the Formula 2 championship, in his first season, had the opportunity to test for Mercedes, notably with the W13 from the 2022 season at the Imola circuit. These private tests aimed to prepare the Italian driver for his arrival in F1 and to evaluate him for a potential promotion.
But it might be in another team that the native of Bologna could make his F1 debut. Powered by Mercedes, the Williams team would be ready to open the door to Antonelli during the season to team up with Alex Albon.
Struggling since the beginning of the season after narrowly saving his seat last year, Logan Sargeant would then be forced to pack up and look for a place elsewhere. The American, who replaced Nicholas Latifi at Williams at the beginning of 2023, has so far never managed to match his teammate despite the unwavering support of his boss James Vowles.
It remains to be seen what action the FIA will take in response to this request, which is not expected to be known right away, as it requires several studies before various commissions. If it does not succeed, Antonelli will have to wait until September 1st and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza to aim for a seat in Formula 1.
Two years ago, American driver Colton Herta was denied entry into F1 with AlphaTauri because he did not have enough points to obtain his super license.
