FIA Rule Tweaks Pave Way for 17-Year-Old Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Potential Early F1 Debut

FIA regulation adjustment paves the way for Kimi Antonelli's early F1 entry

Due to a recent change in FIA regulations, Andrea Kimi Antonelli might get the chance to start his Formula 1 career sooner than expected.

Mercedes protégé Andrea Kimi Antonelli might debut in Formula 1 before his 18th birthday due to a change in FIA regulations.

A 17-year-old Italian, currently in his debut year in Formula 2, is considered a top contender to succeed Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season.

Recent private tests involving older Mercedes Formula 1 cars have led to speculation that the team is gearing up Antonelli for an early debut in a grand prix race.

Rumors grew even stronger when news broke that the FIA had been asked at the beginning of May to give Antonelli a super licence through an exceptional allowance.

As a result, there were numerous speculations that Antonelli might take the place of Williams driver Logan Sargeant at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. However, these rumors were promptly denied by team boss James Vowles.

The FIA has modified the regulations, allowing Antonelli to make his F1 debut at 17 years old.

This doesn't automatically imply that Antonelli, who won't be 18 until August, will participate in an entire race weekend. The team might just have him run in a practice session.

The updated Article 13.1.2 of Appendix L in the FIA International Sporting Code states: "The FIA has the exclusive right to award a Super Licence to a 17-year-old driver who has shown exceptional skill and maturity in single-seater formula car racing."

Antonelli has surpassed his Prema teammate Oliver Bearman, who made a notable impression during his F1 debut with Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Antonelli is now in sixth place in the championship, trailing the series leader Paul Aron by 32 points.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has suggested that the team prefers to elevate Antonelli to a main driver position next year, dismissing the possibility of bringing in departing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz.

Wolff mentioned during the Canadian Grand Prix that although Carlos Sainz has performed exceptionally well, the team is now on a path to reinvent themselves. He added that Kimi Antonelli will certainly be a part of this new direction.

"We haven't made a decision for next year yet, but we also didn't want to keep Carlos waiting, as he needs to make his own choices and that's only fair."

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